Mobile phone provider EE has been fined 拢2.7 million by Ofcom for overcharging customers.
The regulator said EE made two fundamental errors in the billing process which led to it accidentally overcharging tens of thousands of customers more than 拢245,000.
At least 32,145 people were charged 拢1.20 per minute instead of 19p per minute for calling its 150 customer services number while roaming in Europe.
And in a separate mistake, EE continued to charge 7,674 customers for calling or texting 150 over several months while in Europe after contacting the number was made free on November 18, 2015 鈥� overcharging them a total of 拢2,203.
Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom鈥檚 consumer group director, said EE had not taken “enough care”.
“This ended up costing customers thousands of pounds, which is completely unacceptable,” she said.
鈥淲e monitor how phone companies bill their customers, and will not tolerate careless mistakes.
“Any company that breaks Ofcom鈥檚 rules should expect similar consequences.鈥�
Ofcom also criticised EE, which is owned by BT, for initially deciding not to try and reimburse the majority of those affected as it would prove difficult to identify them.
It instead planned to give the money to charity, until Ofcom intervened.
There are a further 6,905 unidentified people who were overcharged a total of 拢60,000.
Following its investigation, EE鈥檚 penalty was reduced by 10 per cent as it admitted to its mistakes.