Britain’s telecoms regulator has fined Vodafone a record amount for what it called “serious and sustained” failings in its dealings with customers.<br /><br /> The world’s second-largest mobile operator has been ordered to pay the equivalent of just over five million euros. <br /><br /> That was because it did not credit the accounts of 10,452 people who had bought mobile-phone minutes and data time. Those customers lost a total of 150,000 pounds (168,000 euros) over a 17 month period<br /><br /> Then when they complained nothing was done until the regulator intervened. <br /><br /> Ofcom Consumer Group Director Lindsey Fussell said: “Phone services are a vital part of people’s lives, and we expect all customers to be treated fairly and in good faith.”<br /><br /> Ofcom has issued Vodafone with a record £4.6 million fine for failing its customers: https://t.co/pGHxzFXHeY pic.twitter.com/6n02sp61cu— Ofcom (@Ofcom) October 26, 2016<br /><br /> Ofcom said the fines, which are the highest ever imposed by the regulator, sent a clear warning to all telecoms companies.<br /><br /> But critics pointed out they were just a slap on the wrist for a company that made 11.6 billion pounds (12.96 billion euros) profit last year. <br /><br /> Vodafone blamed a move to a new billing system and said it deeply regretted the failures> It has now refunded money owed to the vast majority of the affected customers.<br /><br /> It has been the worst performing UK network in terms of customer service with complaints at more than three times the industry average. <br /><br /> “It’s right that Ofcom has hit Vodafone with a hefty fine for such poor behaviour” – tweeneill response to Vodafone’s £4.6m fine pic.twitter.com/7Eoz281CFB— Which? (@WhichUK) October 26, 2016<br />
