Families could save up to £700 on their broadband and mobile phone bills

A CONSUMER champion could help mobile or broadband customers save up to £1 billion a year.

Unfair business practices will be targeted by the new advocate standing up to telecoms giants.

Ministers want the industry to fall in line with other service sectors such as energy, water and transport.

Broadband customers are paying a loyalty penalty of £1billion and mobile users are overpaying on handsets by £330million annually.

Research also shows that households signed up to combined telly and broadband packages are being hit by up to £700 a year, Which? say.

The government will now launch a consultation on creating the new role and how it should be funded.

The position will also represent consumers on the rollout of full fibre broadband and 5G mobile technology.

They will also front campaigns to help consumers get the best deals allowing upgrades to faster services.

Minister for Digital Margot James said: “It’s clear that some mobile and broadband customers are vulnerable to unfair business practices.

“We’ve already strengthened Ofcom’s powers to improve outcomes for consumers but a strong, independent consumer champion will empower customers and hold telecoms companies to account, as well as working with them to drive

improvements in their services.

“The consumer advocate will help deliver a Britain that works for everyone putting more money into the pockets of ordinary working people.”

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