Problem

Mobile Phones -
Cost of using your mobile abroad (international roaming)

New Legislation June 2007

The European Union has recently introduced a package of measures – called a Regulation - that will significantly reduce the amount we pay for using our mobile phones abroad.

Though the cost of international roaming has come down in recent months, it is still very expensive for many callers. The last thing we want when we return from holiday or a business trip is a nasty surprise in the phone bill, so this decision by European policy makers is a good thing for all UK consumers.

What it means

At present, it costs most people between 50 pence to £1.00 to make a one minute mobile phone call abroad, you also have to pay to receive a one minute call – in contrast to the UK where you pay to make, but not receive, calls.

Now the new European regulation has come into effect, all mobile phone companies that offer international roaming services must contact all of their customers during the month of July to explain what tariffs are available when using their mobile phone abroad.

Also, from the end of August, they must provide a standard ‘Eurotariff’. This means a charge of no more than 49 Euro cents per minute (approx. 38 pence per minute inc VAT) to make a call and 24 cents per minute (approx. 19 pence per minute inc VAT) to receive a call.

This means an average reduction in retail prices of more than 50% for most users.

Some providers may offer the Eurotariff upon demand before the end of August. If you are travelling during July and August, and have not heard from your provider by the time you leave, call them to find out whether a better tariff might be available.

Different tariffs for different tastes

Some mobile phone users, especially those that travel a lot, have already signed up to offers from their mobile operator which offer savings on the cost of using their phone abroad. In some cases, these services will work out even cheaper than the new Eurotariff.

The new Regulation will not transfer these users to the new Eurotariff unless they specifically request it. It is only the users who otherwise would have been charged the operator’s more expensive default roaming price who will automatically be transferred to the Eurotariff.

In other words, no one should be forced onto a tariff which is more expensive for them.

Other tips

Many consumers travelling abroad in July and August will not benefit from the new Eurotariff. If you follow the link below you will find a number of handy tips that Ofcom has put together to help save money if you are visiting another European country before the new tariff is available.

How can I reduce the cost of international roaming?

Knowing the cost

From the end of September, mobile phone operators will also have to send an automatic SMS message whenever a customer crosses a border. This message, which can be disabled by those that do not wish to receive them, will explain how much we will have to pay to make and receive a call. Operators will also be required to send more detailed tariff information upon request.

Background

International roaming services offered by UK mobile operators provide an easy and convenient service for consumers travelling abroad. All of the UK’s mobile network operators have agreements with foreign networks that allow you to make and receive calls, send and pick up text messages as well as use some of the other mobile services (such as access to voicemail or topping-up credit on pre-pay phones) just as you do at home. The exact services available and the charges for their use vary between operators.

When you use your phone abroad, the foreign network provider sends a bill to your operator (known as a wholesale charge). Your operator then charges you for your usage whilst abroad. International roaming agreements are quite complex and wholesale charges can vary depending on a wide range of factors.

This has led to a wide range of roaming prices paid by consumers.

Although some operators have simplified their international roaming pricing over recent years, it can still be difficult for mobile phone users to have a clear idea of the price they are likely to pay when using their phone overseas.

These pages are designed to help you understand international roaming prices and give some hints and advice to help you to reduce the amount you pay when using your phone abroad.

• How much does international roaming cost?
• How can I reduce the cost of international roaming?