Orange condemned for “deceptive commercial practices” around its 5G offers

During the trial at first instance, the operator Orange has just been ordered to pay 15,000 euros in damages to the Consumption Housing Framework Association.

The deployment of the 5G mobile network is a breeding ground for discord. Tensions between operators but also vis-à-vis consumer associations are legion lately. Our colleagues in Capital were thus able to consult the judgment of July 27 condemning Orange to pay the sum of 15,000 euros to the CLCV association. The operator is criticized for its misleading commercial policy around its 5G offers. A contested decision since the company is preparing to appeal the judgment.

The name 4G / 5G plans questioned at Orange

The origin of the complaint comes from the 4G packages which have become 5G in the operator’s catalog. According to the CLCV, the increase in the offers concerned is not justified. In addition, still according to the complaint issued by the association, the average consumer does not have the possibility of knowing whether Orange’s 5G offers would be available at his home. During the complaint at the end of December, the operator did not offer a card to identify its 5G coverage.

However, since the beginning of the year, the company has corrected this breach with a dynamic map. Despite everything, this is not sufficient in view of the judgment rendered by the Paris court. Orange is also ordered to remove the 4G / 5G package mention unless an explicit hypertext link is added to this card. The aim is to ensure that Arcep’s recommendations are respected.

As mentioned above, if the association is satisfied with the judgment rendered, this is not the case for the operator. Contacted by us, the operator did not wish to make any additional comments. The company challenges the court’s decision, it considers that the evidence provided by the CLCV is not sufficient. Worse still, Stéphane Richard’s firm considers that this lawsuit undermines the brand image.

The decision on appeal could set a precedent if ever the first judgment is upheld. A snub for the operator offering the best 5G network in France.

Source: Capital