The Government has announced changes to the rules on distance selling. At present, businesses selling services over the phone, by mail order or the internet have to provide customers with key written details, such as the right to cancel, before the contract is agreed.

A consumer must receive this information before entering into an agreement, for products such as a mobile phone service contract.

From April 2005, the rules will change to allow businesses to deliver this key information at any time from when an order is placed until the service begins.

Other consumer rights will remain unchanged.