Millions of consumers who bought Apple or Samsung smartphones in the past may be eligible for compensation if a significant legal claim filed by Which? against a major tech company succeeds.
The lawsuit revolves around allegations of Qualcomm having market dominance and potentially misusing that power. Qualcomm, a global tech firm specializing in wireless telecommunications products, software, and services, is accused by Which? of overcharging manufacturers like Apple and Samsung for technology licenses, leading to higher retail prices for customers.
The trial commences today and is set to last five weeks at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London. Should the initial phase prove successful, a subsequent trial is anticipated where Which? will seek damages amounting to approximately £480 million.
Those who purchased an Apple or Samsung smartphone between October 1, 2015, and January 9, 2024, are identified by Which? as potentially impacted by the outcome.
If successful, an estimated 29 million individuals could receive around £17 in compensation per phone, with the claim automatically covering buyers of specific models of Apple or Samsung smartphones.
However, the possibility of receiving compensation hinges on the favorable ruling of the case by the Competition Appeal Tribunal.
Anabel Hoult, Chief Executive of Which?, emphasized the significance of consumer power in holding corporations accountable for potential abuse of dominance. She highlighted the importance of collective action to secure entitled redress for affected consumers, underscoring the necessity of such claims on a mass scale due to impracticality at an individual level.
Qualcomm has been contacted by the Mirror for comment regarding the matter.
Consumers are advised that if they are not currently under contract, exploring alternative mobile phone deals through comparison websites may lead to cost savings. Analyzing current usage patterns in terms of minutes and data prior to switching is recommended to determine the most suitable package.
SIM-only deals are often the most cost-effective phone tariffs as they exclude handset costs, focusing solely on minutes, data, texts, and other allowances.
For existing contract holders hesitant to switch providers, negotiating with the current service provider based on competitor prices might yield a better deal, though potential exit fees for early termination should be taken into account.
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