What do you need to know before signing a telephone, internet or television contract: The Synthesis File is Mandatory
According to the regulations in force, the providers of telephone, internet or television services have the obligation to provide the users, before the conclusion of a contract, a synthetic sheet, a document summarizes the most important information about the services offered.
ANCOM recommends reading the synthesis sheet carefully before signing the contract
The synthetic sheet has a clear, standardized and easy to understand format, to allow users to more easily compare offers on the market and make informed decisions. The document should be offered on a durable support (paper or PDF transmitted by e-mail) or in a format that can be easily accessed and downloaded.
Users are encouraged to read the contract they are about to sign in full, but checking the minimum information in the synthesis sheet is essential before the agreement is expressed.
If, for technical objective reasons that can be related to the conclusion of the contract, it is impossible to make available to the end user of the synthesis file, the supplier is obliged to transmit it, without undue delay, at the latest at the time of the terminal equipment or before the requested service.
Synthetic sheet model
The entry into force of the contract is conditioned by receiving the synthesis sheet by the user. In practice, the user expresses his agreement by signing it or the contract, which necessarily contains the synthetic sheet.
The content of the synthesis sheet
According to the legal provisions in force, the synthesis sheet must include:
- the name, address and contact information of the supplier, including for receiving complaints;
- the main characteristics of each service provided;
- the related prices for activating the electronic communications service, as well as any recurrent or consumption fee;
- the duration of the contract and the conditions of renewal and termination of it;
- a summary of information on quality parameters and the remedies that the consumer has available, in the case of internet access services;
- To what extent the products and services contracted are designed for end -users with disabilities.
What, how and where can it be advertised
Before notifying any aspect regarding the conclusion of a contract, the users must verify the documents related to the contract (pre -contractual information, the synthesis sheet, the basic contract, general conditions, tariff booklet, etc.).
If I no longer hold the contract on the basis of which the respective communications services are provided, the users have the right to ask the provider, who is obliged to send a copy of it for free.
If the synthesis sheet has not been made available at the time of the contract, users can address ANCOM.
If the suppliers do not comply with the clauses in the contract, consumers may notify the National Authority for Consumer Protection (ANPC), and end users who are micro-enterprises, small businesses or non-profit organizations can be addressed to authorized mediators or courts. ANCOM can provide counseling, but has no duties on sanctioning suppliers in such situations.
