Colombia. The minimum permanence clauses in the contracts for the provision of fixed telephony, internet and television services will only apply when they correspond to the connection charge and provide the possibility of paying the value of this deferred, establishing clear rules of transparency in the offer.
The measure that comes into force with resolution 4930 issued by the Communications Regulation Commission, seeks that users access clear information about the cost of the service they acquire and their respective connection charge.
It regulates the way in which operators of fixed communications services and / or subscription television can apply these clauses and the amounts to be charged for early termination.
The measure determines that the connection charge can only include the costs associated with the installation of the services and not other items. In cases where the operator provides several services to the same user (telephony, internet and television), the charge must correspond to the value of a single plus the additional costs needed to connect the others.
Resolution 4930 indicates that the value of the connection charge must be deducted monthly in a linear manner and divided into the months of permanence. Therefore, when a user expresses intention to terminate the contract with his operator early, he must pay the fees related to the months remaining for the agreement.
In addition, it stipulates transparency measures in the billing of the service. The user must find the following information clearly and accurately:
- The total value of the connection charge.
- The amount that was deducted or deferred from the total value of the connection charge.
- Exact dates (day/month/year) of start and end of the minimum permanence clause.
- The value to be paid if the user decides to terminate the contract early.
- Fixed communications service providers and subscription television operators are obliged to comply with this new regulation.
