By Ashdown Solutions… Empowering Smart Choices in Business Telecoms

1. Why Care About “Sharp Practice”?

A recent BBC investigation revealed alarming examples of aggressive upselling, hidden fees, and switching difficulties across UK telecoms providers. These aren’t just customer irritations, they directly threaten small and medium businesses with unexpected costs, wasted time, and even service disruptions.

2. Common Tactics to Watch For

Tactic	Risk to SMBs	How to Spot It
Bait-and-switch pricing	You commit to a rate; find out it doubles mid-contract	Scrutinise all contract communications for schedule of charges and buried clauses
Bundled service traps	Forced into expensive fixed-term tariffs you can’t exit	Ensure you can accept services à-la-carte; double-check exit fees
Delayed switching (“slamming”)	Providers delay switching your number, leaving you paying two accounts	Demand firm switching timelines (Ofcom requires a 1–2 day process)
Hidden charges	Excuses like “network maintenance” used to hike charges	Request detailed billing breakdowns quarterly

3. The Regulatory Shield: How Ofcom Protects You From Sharp Practice

• General Conditions (GCs): Requirements so all telecom providers, including providers of voice and broadband, must follow, especially around clear billing, exit rights, complaints handling, and annual tariff notices
• Switching rules (GC C7): Providers must not obstruct your switch; you have the right to cancel without charges if deadlines aren’t met
• Approval of dispute mechanisms: If things go wrong, providers must offer Ofcom approved complaint resolution.

4. Small Business, Big Leverage: How to Stay Ahead of Sharp Practice

 Be Price-Wise

• Ask explicitly for all exit fee details and how long initial offers last.
• Confirm the validity period of any “free upgrades.”

 Switch Smart

• Choose a supplier willing to handle your number porting, including any cross-network complications.
• Ask for a written timeline, switches should take no longer than 1–2 working days.

 Check Your Bills

• Require itemised invoices
• Compare charges against contracts for any discrepancies or sudden increases

 Keep Evidence

• Save all emails, invoices, and call notes (names, timestamps, details, not just “they said so”).
• Use them when:
  1. Disputing charges directly
  2. Escalating unresolved issues to Ofcom

 Escalate If Needed

• If you can’t resolve it with the provider, file a complaint with Ofcom, referencing the provider’s failure to meet GCs or switching rules.

5. How Ashdown Solutions Can Help

At Ashdown Solutions we provide a human approached to managed IT services for businesses across Sussex, Surrey, and Kent, we empower SMBs to:

• Audit telecom contracts for hidden pitfalls
• Agree plain terms with no sneaky charges or exit barriers
• Smooth the switching process we liaise directly with providers to ensure your service isn’t disrupted
• Monitor bills quarterly identifying and contesting unusual charges swiftly

Think of us as your telecom watchdog, proactively protecting you from sharp practice and ensuring you pay only for what you need.

Final Takeaway

Sharp practices in telecoms aren’t just consumer issues, they hit SMBs too, threatening both cash flow and continuity. But with informed vigilance, backed by regulatory protections and specialist support, your business can confidently manage telecom risks and focus on growth.

Need a telecom check-up?

Contact us and we will review your current contracts for free and help you identify any lurking risks.

Business Booster Seminar

On 16th October 2025 Tony will be speaking at the next Business Booster Seminar, Mastering your business: profitability, growth & scalability. Alongside a host of other experts in the field, this is an amazing experience to learn the skills to take your business to the next level!

Tony will talk about using technology to give you easy access to your data, look at automation tools to improve workflows and support growth without additional resource. Cost control is important in these strange times, Tony will look at where you can utilise Office365 applications to reduce the number of subscription services. Cyber security and business resilience are essential areas that all business owners need to be more aware of, Tony will cover some practical steps to protect your business and livelihood.

Tickets are free using code: AS2025

Be proactive and take the steps to master your business…

Book your tickets here