Coffey lends his weight to the campaign against ‘aggressive’ paperless billing policy

Online billing simply does not suit some sectors of society

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy and Vice-Chair of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Paudie Coffey, has today (Wednesday) thrown his weight behind a campaign undertaken by the Active Retirement Association of Ireland and the Irish Post Masters Union, who are calling for the cessation of what they describe as an ‘aggressive’ policy of paperless billing by some telecommunications companies.

“The issue in respect of the online billing of customers by telecommunications companies in particular, is one that has aggravated certain sectors of society for some time now. A campaign against the aggressive approach being adopted by certain companies has been undertaken by the Active Retirement Association of Ireland and the Irish Post Masters Union who feel that this practice is unfairly targeting the more elderly members of society.

“There is no doubt about the fact that we are increasingly moving further into the digital age and that electronic billing is part of that process. But quite simply, this form of notification does not suit everyone, especially our older people, some of whom may not be computer literate or have access to someone who is.

“Reports are that some companies are asking their customers to notify them if they wish to continue to receive paper bills but the reality of the matter is that in some instances, these notifications can be overlooked with the result that customers are being moved to paperless bills without their knowledge or consent.

“This is leading to all sorts of confusion as customers are left in limbo in terms of how much they own and the reasons why they are not getting their bills as normal. I have no doubt that we will eventually get to a point where paper bills will be consigned to the past but during this transition phase, companies need to be more sensitive when it comes to this opt-in system and realise that this method will not work for everyone.

“Perhaps if a wider communications strategy in terms of billboards and adverts was employed, even for a short period, customers will be aware of the changes taking place and will be better place to make a decision about their future billing requirements.