Data and roaming chages, should the UK netowks do more to prevent bill shock?

NFH

redux wrote: »

There are already caps on monthly data charges on contracts for roaming data in Europe.

Even with caps on charges within the EEA, the prices are unreasonable compared to the prices for data on one's home network.

Also look at non-EEA prices. For example, to use a typical daily amount of 25MB outside the EEA, Vodafone charges £5, whereas Orange charges £200 (25x£8). It no coincidence that during the summer months in this forum, most bill shock comes from Orange customers; Orange's data roaming charges are much more unreasonable than other networks. Although I remain an Orange customer, I'm resorting to using local SIM cards to avoid data roaming charges until they descend to a reasonable price. Even Vodafone's non-EEA data roaming price of £5/day looks unreasonable compared to a few pence per day when using a local SIM card.

thegoodman

NFH wrote: »

Even with caps on charges within the EEA, the prices are unreasonable compared to the prices for data on one's home network.

Also look at non-EEA prices. For example, to use a typical daily amount of 25MB outside the EEA, Vodafone charges £5, whereas Orange charges £200 (25x£8). It no coincidence that during the summer months in this forum, most bill shock comes from Orange customers; Orange's data roaming charges are much more unreasonable than other networks. Although I remain an Orange customer, I'm resorting to using local SIM cards to avoid data roaming charges until they descend to a reasonable price. Even Vodafone's non-EEA data roaming price of £5/day looks unreasonable compared to a few pence per day when using a local SIM card.

I can see your point. However like all other products such as loan, credit card etc it is important to check prices against your use. If you are travelling a lot outside the EU than orange may not be for you, maybe Vodafone or O2 are better.

The mobile phones as a product are same as credit card. Would you get a high APR card if you are going to carry balance? Would you go with high data charge network if you are going to use the Internet outside the UK?

NFH

thegoodman wrote: »

However like all other products such as loan, credit card etc it is important to check prices against your use.

I agree. During the summer (and I'm sure this coming summer will be no exception), the people who complain in this forum about enormous data roaming bills never bothered to check the cost of the service before using it. In this case, the consumer is clearly to blame, as the networks are up-front about their high charges. It's a bit like going into a restaurant and ordering an expensive bottle of Champagne without first checking the price on the menu. However, consumers have an understandable expectation that the charges will be reasonable.

spiro

There has to be a balance between what the networks are required to do and what responsibility customers should take for their own actions. Within the EU you get a warning about the caps and unless you opt out you get cut off. Wherever I have been aboard on arrival I have always received a text advising of the costs of using the VF phone in that country.

If you don't understand how your phone uses data, what the overseas charges are or have to be on Facebook etc 24/7 when on holiday then leave you phone at home. We dont live in a nanny state - yet.

wantmemoney

spiro wrote:

We dont live in a nanny state - yet

this is a phrase I've seen used (usually misused) on this forum by other posters who hijack and derail debates on consumer protection issues.

Taking into account that the topic of this thread relates to the protection of customers phone/bank accounts what do you mean by 'nanny state' and whose rights do you believe are being affected by this nanny state?(the consumer or the telecoms/premium rate industry)

NFH

In any case, the term "nanny state" most commonly refers to government policies that protect individuals against themselves, e.g. front seat seatbelts, obesity etc. It is not appropriate to use the term for protection of consumers against unfair commercial practices.

wantmemoney

NFH wrote:

In any case, the term "nanny state" most commonly refers to government policies that protect individuals

well yes....I have also heard it used by the 'industry' when the UK Government or the EU talk about imposing regulation to increase consumer protection from telecom scams and fraud.

thegoodman

I rather have different mobiles offering many deals and let me decide what to select.
For example the Orange may charge more for non eu data but offer many others things like orange Wednesday, free film a week on iTunes, sky sport, etc. if you don't use data outside the eu than this can be good value. The Vodafone is more for business, the 3 offer unlimited data. I don't want all mobile companies to be same and control by the state. The different prices and offer of different products by the network is not scams or fraud. It's choice to select a product based on your need.
Otherwise what's next, all credit cards must be the same, all cars must be the same, where do you stop?

Edinburghlass_2

Sorry OP but as some users can't be polite in their replies I'm closing the thread and referring to the Forum Team.