In its recently released annual report, BOCRA noted that it received a total of 33 complaints escalated from the regulated entities, compared to 27 in the year to March 2022.

Of these complaints in 2023, faulty gadgets headed the list, with most of these devices being home/office routers and cell phones. The authority also recorded four complaints relating to billing and interconnection. The billing complainants were advised to ensure that they cap their data usage to avoid incurring higher bills, especially for postpaid customers.

According to BOCRA, the operator in question was also advised to ensure that usage notifications are sent to customers and that more awareness is made so that customers can make informed choices.

BOCRA and the Competition and Consumer Authority (CCA) also dealt with two reports in which the complainants alleged that they were misled to purchase the wrong cellphone models.

“The respective retailers produced valid type approval certificates for the two reported cell phones,” BOCRA officials said. “Subsequently, the complainants were advised to escalate their matters to the CCA for further assistance in terms of refunds and exchange, as the matters fell under its mandate.”

BOCRA officials said all complaints received were handled in the year to March 2023.