Avoid Scary Mobile Bills After Going Abroad – Ofcom Releases Consumer Advice
In the wake of a number of horror stories relating to huge bills as a result of using mobile services whilst abroad, Ofcom has put together a consumer advice leaflet and accompanying video, entitled “How to avoid the holiday mobile bill blues“.
The advice looks ways to avoid getting stung for mobile use abroad, either for voice, texting or mobile broadband, by knowing what’s what before you go. Tips include checking that your phone or laptop can be used abroad, finding out what’s included in your current service (and more importantly, what’s not), and getting information from your provider about data charges overseas. Pay-as-you-go mobile broadband is now on offer from Vodafone, 3 mobile, O2 and T-Mobile, and can be a useful alternative – click for more info on pay as you go mobile broadband.
It’s all pretty common sense stuff, but the fact that even a few people get significantly caught out does prove that there’s a need for greater consumer awareness, especially as mobile services become more and more a part of everyday life, both at home and abroad. Not only that, but the video appears to have been made by a first year film student using his mate and a bunch of cliched ‘holiday’ costume changes – worth a look just for a laugh.
This advice comes shortly after the EU took a decision to cap roaming charges within it’s member states, which will go some way towards solving the problem of runaway roaming charges when it comes into effect this summer.
