These are longer term service contracts with a cell phone operator that also include handsets for high-data rate 3G connections. The Association says there have been complaints of long delays in opening services and complaints about technical faults and poor repairs of handsets.
Some consumers say that their "free" handsets have required repairs. Rather than taking days, repairs have taken weeks and the sets have still not functioned properly.
Also, there have been some cases in which the service provider has refused to invalidate contracts, even though the purchaser has the right under consumer protection legislation.
The Association points out that tie-in contracts can be invalidated by either services or handsets not living up contract terms.
YLE24
