Consumer advocates are urging Israelis not to sign on the dotted line, at least not until 2009 when it refers to committing to a long-term contract with a cellular telephone company.

While it is not widely advertised, it appears a new consumer bill will become law as of 2009. The law prohibits cellular telephone companies from increasing costs of a client after s/he has signed on a plan for a period of time.

Today even if one signs for 18 months or even 36 months, the contracts stipulate that the prices of air time and other costs are subject to change. This will no longer be the case consumer advocates explain, advising people to wait until the New Year before committing to any new cellular contract.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)