Cut the cost of using your mobile phone abroad

Industry regulator Ofcom is warning mobile phone users to be on their guard against incurring excessive costs when travelling abroad during August. 

The EU has introduced legislation that will significantly reduce the amount we pay for using our mobile phones abroad, but the new laws will not be fully implemented until the end of August 2007. 

Ofcom is therefore advising phone users to check with their provider regarding the tariffs available to them, as some providers may offer new tariffs on demand before the end of August.

All mobile phone companies that offer international roaming services should have contacted their customers during July to explain what tariffs are available when using their mobile phone abroad.

If you are travelling abroad between now and the end of 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 to you. 

By the end of August, mobile phone providers must provide a standard ‘Eurotariff’, where it will cost 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.

Before then, though, if you are planning to use your mobile phone abroad during August, it’s important that you check what tariffs are available with your provider.  Special offers are often available around holiday time, so make sure you take steps to avoid paying more than you need to.

For more cost saving tips when using mobile phones abroad, click here to visit the Ofcom website.

Through our network of approved suppliers, Spiral can offer a wide range of mobile phones packages.  If you would like more information, then contact us.