Categories
Close
Menu
Menu
Close
Search
Search

Featured Articles

Ofcom proposes new rules to protect UK customers from unexpected roaming costs
News

Ofcom proposes new rules to protect UK customers from unexpected roaming costs

Mark

European roaming charges reinstated after Brexit

Share:

Print

Rate article:

No rating
Rate this article:
No rating

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has proposed new rules that would ensure UK customers are told about any ‘roaming’ charges when using their mobile phones abroad.

EU rules had previously ensured UK customers could use their mobile phones in Europe for calls, messages and data without paying a premium. However, the UK’s exit from the European Union meant these laws no longer apply. As a result, a number of network operators have re-introduced 'roaming charges' when customers make or receive calls, send text messages or go online when abroad in Europe.

Although many network operators still send alerts to their customers when they start roaming, Ofcom’s research has found that 19% of holidaymakers are unaware they could face extra charges when using their mobiles abroad. It also discovered that 72% of customers who read a roaming alert modified their mobile usage as a result.

Ofcom’s new roaming rules would require all UK mobile companies to tell their customers when they start roaming, how much it will cost them and any action they can take to limit their spend. These would be personalised alerts with specific details about roaming charges and usage limits.

Cristina Luna-Esteban, Ofcom’s Director of Telecoms Consumer Protection, said “Millions of UK holidaymakers head abroad every year and want to stay connected on their travels. But without clear information from their provider, they could find themselves facing an unexpected bill for calling home or going online. These alerts would mean whichever mobile provider you’re with, you won’t be left in the dark about roaming charges and action you can take to manage your spending."

In addition, Ofcom wants networks to offer extra protection against ‘inadvertent roaming’, where a mobile device connects to a network in a different country even though the customer is not physically in that country.
Around one in seven UK mobile customers experience this, either when abroad or still in the UK. For example, 22% of customers in Northern Ireland inadvertently roamed onto networks in Ireland in the last year – and 2% of customers reported having connected connecting to French networks while on the English coast.

The Ofcom consultation will close on 28th September 2023, with a decision expected in early 2024. There’ll then be a six month implementation period.

Comments

Collapse Expand Comments (0)
You don't have permission to post comments.

Opinion Articles

ExclusiveThe landline phone may be fading... but its number still remains

Mark Bridge writes:

In last weekend’s Sunday Times, Ali Hussain asked "Is this the end for the landline phone?"

He pointed out that the average mobile bill almost halved between 2003 and 2008, while landline bills fell by less than a fifth – which has meant the average mobile bill is now lower than the average landline bill. He went on to list fibre-optic broadband, mobile broadband, mobile calls, VoIP calls and satellite phones as alternatives to using fixed-line phones.

ExclusiveT-Mobile and Orange isn't a big deal

Mark Bridge writes:

It’s the telecoms industry deal of the year. T-Mobile and Orange form a joint venture. The UK’s "big five" networks (or "big four", depending on your predilection for Hutchison 3G UK) will now be a "big four" (or "big three", if you don’t include 3. Confused yet?)

Everyone has an opinion. On Tuesday I was asked for mine.

ExclusiveHere’s one for the laydeez

Mark Bridge writes:

Once upon a time, I’d probably have described myself as a feminist. These days I probably wouldn’t. Not because my opinions have changed, just because I’ve realised there are a lot of women who’d argue that I can’t be a feminist because of my male undercarriage. And me, by birth and possibly by education, therefore being part of the problem – not part of the solution.

Right, disclaimer over. I’ll get to the point. You want a mobile phone that’ll appeal to men...

ExclusiveMobile phones cause brain tumours?

Mark Bridge writes:

Mobile phones fry your brain. That’s been a warning from some people pretty much since the first cellphones appeared. And although the mobile phone industry has changed and the technology has advanced, the warnings haven’t gone away.

Ten years ago, the Independent Expert Group on Mobile Phones was set up to look at concerns about the possible health effects from the use of mobile phones, base stations and transmitters.

ExclusiveEnthusiasm is my enemy!

Mark Bridge writes:

Enthusiasm is one of the great intangible powers of the world. It’s attractive, it’s compelling and sometimes it’s dangerous. And – yes, I’m going to try to keep this relevant – it sells mobile phones.

I was reminded of this the other day when I read a Sunday Times article about Apple’s Steve Jobs.

RSS
First107108109110111112114116

Recent Podcasts

ExclusivePodcast from Mobile World Congress 2015

Mark Bridge learns about the mobile technology trends at Mobile World Congress 2015 by chatting to James Rosewell of 51Degrees, Dr Kevin Curran from the IEEE and Chris Millington of Doro.

They talk about wearable devices, wireless charging, mobile operating systems and much more... including some of their favourite products from the exhibition.

ExclusiveLooking back at February: from security scares to multiple MVNOs

We're taking a look back at the biggest mobile industry news stories from February 2015, including allegations that the UK's security service tried to breach SIM card security by hacking into one of the world's biggest SIM producers.

We also talk about the planned BT and EE merger, the creation of two new UK virtual networks, some acquisitions in the mobile payment arena and a new Ubuntu smartphone.

ExclusiveA month of mobile: O2 counts on 3, Microsoft counts to 10 and Apple counts its profits

We're back with a month of mobile industry news, including takeover talks and takeover rumours. O2 and Three are said to be discussing a merger... but is there any truth in the suggestions that BlackBerry could be up for grabs?

We also discuss Apple's record-breaking quarterly figures, the highlights of CES and the launch of Microsoft Windows 10, as well as saying farewell to the current version of Google Glass.

RSS
12345678910Last

Follow thefonecast.com

Archive Calendar

«August 2026»
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
272829303112
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31123456

Archive