Mobile handset returns rates are well above the average for consumer electronics and operators need to work with manufacturers to resolve the issue, Orange European chief Olaf Swantee, said yesterday (19 November).
Around five million units are returned to Orange each year, 15% of the 30 million devices sold, Swantee said at the FT Telecoms Conference in London.
The figure dwarfs the rest of electronic industry, which sees average returns rates of between 2% and 9%.
Swantee said the problem is an industry issue and can depend on the manufacturer. He said he is actively working with manufacturers to try and solve the issue, and encouraged other operators to follow suit.