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1. What is international mobile roaming?

International roaming is a service offered by mobile providers that allows you to use your mobile phone abroad. Your UK mobile provider will not have a mobile network in the country you’re travelling to - though they may belong to the same group as a foreign provider – so whenever you use your mobile abroad you are ‘roaming’ on the foreign provider’s network.

The foreign mobile provider charges your provider in the UK a wholesale charge for your use of its network. Your provider will then pass this on to you as part of its retail charge for the international roaming service.

2. Why is Ofcom publishing this document?

The European Commission has identified that the high prices paid by consumers for international roaming services are a matter of concern, and has produced a website to increase transparency of roaming prices. This can be found at: http://europa.eu.int/information_society/activities/roaming/index_en.htm.

At the same time, headline results of a consumer survey undertaken by Ofcom in October and November 2005 suggest that awareness of international roaming charges is low in the UK. This document is intended to help consumers understand the most commonly available tariffs for each of the UK mobile providers, offer a simple comparison between the available tariffs and provide sources of further information.

It is important that mobile phone users understand the cost of international roaming as it might be significantly more expensive than they might imagine.

3. Why now?

There has been significant press and consumer interest in the prices for international roaming over recent months. This document provides information for consumers to help them make informed decisions before travelling abroad. It also complements the other things Ofcom are doing in this area (see Q.4)

4. What else is Ofcom doing about high roaming prices?

Ofcom has been working closely with other regulators in Europe and with the Commission on how best to deal with the issue of high international roaming prices.

Ofcom was heavily involved in the work that led to the European Regulators Group publication that sets out a framework to help national regulators consider potential competition problems in individual wholesale roaming markets. This is available at: www.erg.eu.int/doc/publications/consult_wholesale_intl_roaming/erg_05_20_rev1_wir_common_position.pdf

Ofcom has a particular responsibility for the international roaming market in the UK, which affects the prices paid by visitors coming to the UK from abroad. Work is under way on this issue and we expect to provide an update on our progress in the spring of 2006. Ofcom will also continue to liaise with the Commission on their work in this area.

Separately, the European Commission is also currently pursuing an investigation into wholesale international roaming charges set by UK mobile providers. Further information on this investigation is available from the Commission’s website at: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/04/994&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

5. Who pays when I receive a call abroad?

Many consumers may not be aware that, unlike at home, they are charged for receiving a call when travelling abroad. This is because the person making the call pays exactly the same as if you were in the UK, but the foreign mobile provider charges your mobile provider in the UK an additional charge for use of its network when both making and receiving calls.

While charges for receiving a call are generally less than those for making a call you should still check what these charges are with your provider before travelling. All of the mobile provider websites contain information on prices for various types of call, including those for receiving a call or text message.

6. Is there a difference between international roaming charges for pre-pay and post-pay customers?

Yes. International roaming charges are generally higher on pre-pay tariffs. You should contact your mobile provider to compare their pre-pay and post-paid roaming rates, and consider switching to a post-paid contract, particularly if you travel often.

7. What about text messaging charges whilst abroad?

Because charges for text messages are lower than those for voice calls, using text messages can be a useful way of reducing the impact of high international roaming rates, although sending multiple text messages may not work out cheaper than making a single call.

Nevertheless, charges for sending a text message whilst abroad are still generally higher than for domestic text messaging; although usually there is no charge for receiving text messages whilst abroad. Contact your provider for further details.

8. What about charges for international data roaming services such as 3G?

Customers may be able to access data services - via GPRS or 3G, for example - whilst roaming abroad. These services may be charged by volume or duration with minimum charges applying. Consumers should contact their mobile provider for further details on the charges that apply before using these services whilst abroad.

9. How do I find out more?

The consumer guide provides links to further sources of information, including links to the UK providers’ websites.

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