The European Union has commenced implementation of cut in mobile phone roaming charges, which began last Friday.
This is European Commission’s plans to close the gap between domestic and ‘foreign’ call rates to virtually nothing by 2015, reports SkyNews.
Existing rules to prevent bill shocks for using the internet via mobile while abroad remain: operators must apply an automatic 50 euro (about N11) cut-off limit on accounts unless the customer explicitly agrees otherwise.
Mobile network operators were said to be making profits of more than 200 per cent for mobile calls made while in another EU country, and 300 per cent or 400 per cent for calls received.
Consumers opting for the EU-regulated “Eurotariff” will pay no more than 32p per minute (excluding VAT)for calls made while abroad - down from 35p.
The report stated that additional price drop means mobile roaming charges are about 75 per cent cheaper on average than they were six years ago.
Until 31 December 2013, a 9 per cent rate - down from 13.5 per cent - will apply on restaurant meals, hotels, cinema and theatre tickets, takeaways, museums and galleries, fairgrounds, hair cuts and newspapers.
The list of items that will remain on the higher rate includes bread, car seats, energy bills and services such as car and bike repairs and domestic cleaning.
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good one
ReplyDeleteIn general, When someone travels to a foreign land they will have to face roaming charges if they stick on to the original carrier they are with...to avoid the roaming charges one can either rent a mobile in the foreign country or use a local sim.
ReplyDeleteWhen you rent a mobile be careful to read the regulations and lease period. Renting a cell phone is advised for those who are traveling overseas for only one or two weeks.
Another option is to use a local sim with your mobile. For that your mobile should be unlocked one so as to accept the sim card that you insert. If it is locked with a particular network then it won't be able to recognize or accept other networks. To unlock your phone you can approach the respective network provider or any third party unlocking websites like Unlocking4free.com(free for basic mobiles) or Simpleunlocking.com and follow the free unlocking instructions from Mobileunlockguide.com and remove the restriction. Once the mobile is unlocked you can use the phone with the local sim.