Question:
I’ve
recently heard media reports of huge bill from using Windows mobilesmart-phones abroad. Could you tell me the facts please?
Answer:
The
BBC reported a story of a German man who was reported to have been charged
£41,000 after downloading a television programme on his phone.
Which?
the consumer association is warning that people going abroad with smart-phones
can still face huge bills if they connect to the internet. They say that a ten
minute video clip and five music tracks could cost as much as £200.
It
pays to be very aware of using mobile data whilst roaming on foreign networks.
Your UK mobile provider will charge you around £2.50 per MB in and around
Europe and around £6.00 per MB across the rest of the world. One megabyte (MB)
is the equivalent of one e-mail with a photo attachment.
From
the 1st July there will be a default limit of 50 euros (£45) within
the 27 countries of the European Union and Switzerland, however anyone visiting
non-EU countries, like Turkey, the US or the Caribbean, will continue to have
no limits on their internet usage.
On
smart-phones like Windows, iPhone and Blackberry there’s an option to switch
off data services while roaming, which means that you are in control of how and
when you receive e-mails.
Some
network operators also offer data abroad packages but you need to notify them
of when you are travelling abroad and how much data you might use to get the
best package.
If
you’re using a USB dongle with your laptop abroad then be very careful of how
much data you’re using. Most of them have a meter you can reset allowing you to
measure exactly how much is used so there are no nasty surprises when you
return to the UK.
For
advice and guidance on any aspect of travelling abroad with your mobile please
contact 8020 Ltd on 01387 250008 or download our guide from our website; www.8020ltd.com/roamingguide.pdf
Andrew Edgar
Managing Director
8020 Ltd
01387 250008
