ACCC v TPG Internet Pty Ltd: TPG guilty of misleading and deceptive advertising over broadband plan

The Federal Court last Friday found against TPG in Australian Competition and Consumer Commission v TPG Internet Pty Ltd [2011] FCA 1254, holding that its $29.99 "unlimited broadband plan" was deceptive as customers had to pay a further $30/ month in line rental for a connection to be issued.

In finding for the ACCC, Murphy J stated that "where a prominent component price is specified, such as the $29.99 per month in this matter, the minimum charge is also required to stand out, be conspicuous, be easily seen or very noticeable. It is not though required to be as prominent as the monthly charge." (at 130)

TPG has been found guilty of misleading advertising before, where it had failed to disclose upfront instalment fees for its broadband plans.

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