Millions of phone users could win compensation for ‘overpayments’

Consumer group Which? has won permission to represent 30 million UK customers in a mass legal case against US firm Qualcomm.

It alleges the company, which makes smartphone components, abused its position as the market leader by charging manufacturers, such as Apple and Samsung, inflated costs. These were passed on to consumers in the form of higher smartphone prices.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal ruled in May that Which? could proceed with the case, which seeks £500m compensation for “overpayments” made on Apple and Samsung phones bought since 1 October, 2015.

Which? estimates that customers could win an average of £16 to £17, with the exact amount depending on the specific phone bought.

The Tribunal dismissed Qualcomm’s argument that the cost of bringing the claim outweighed any financial benefit. It ruled that “given the cost of living challenges faced by many consumers” £16-£17 isn’t small enough to deter people from taking part.

Anabel Hoult, Which? Chief Executive, said: “If Qualcomm has abused its market power it must be held to account. This judgement ensures that it can be. Which? brought this claim on behalf of millions of affected UK consumers, as it would not have been realistic for people to seek damages from the company on an individual basis.”

Qualcomm rejected these claims as “meritless” and said they “recycle allegations in an old case brought by the Federal Trade Commission in the US”, which Qualcomm won.

To find out whether you’re eligible for the claim, visit www.smartphoneclaim.co.uk then scroll down and answer the seven-part questionnaire. You’ll be automatically included in the case unless you tell Which? you don’t want to be.

The Tribunal will set a date for the trial in the next few weeks.