Trustpower punished for misleading consumers on broadband

Between March and July last year, Trustpower promoted a $49 a month for 12 months unlimited data broadband plan. However, the plan wasn't available to everyone. Photo / 123rf.com

Trustpower has been hauled through the courts and fined $390,000 for misleading consumers over a campaign for an unlimited broadband deal.

Between March and July last year, Trustpower promoted a $49 a month for 12 months unlimited data broadband plan, under the campaign theme: "Good things happen when power and broadband get together."

The campaign ran on television and online advertisements as well as billboards.

However, the $49 price was available only to customers who signed up for power and broadband at the same address on a 24-month contract term.

For the last 12 months on the contract the cost jumped to $79 a month and if a customer wished to cancel the contract at any time during the 24-month period they would incur exit fees.