UK vacationers to experience reduced data roaming costs due to Ofcom's changes in regulations.
In a move aimed at enhancing transparency for UK consumers, the telecommunications regulator, Ofcom, has implemented new rules regarding mobile roaming charges and data usage abroad.
Starting from October 1, 2022, mobile providers in the UK will be required to notify their users as soon as they start using their phone abroad, providing clear information about the costs associated with roaming [1]. This includes disclosure of any applicable daily or per-GB surcharges and the specific fair usage data limits that apply.
The new rules come in response to the UK leaving the European Union, which previously provided a 'roam like at home' regulation, eliminating roaming charges for UK travellers. However, under the new rules, mobile providers can impose roaming charges again, with common practice being daily fees plus data fair usage limits, with extra fees if those limits are exceeded [2].
Ofcom's focus is on ensuring customers get transparent pricing information when roaming. The regulator has also required mobile providers to provide information on how to avoid inadvertent roaming in border regions, such as Northern Ireland and France-facing coastal areas [1].
Unfortunately, a survey by Ofcom found that 19% of UK holidaymakers were unaware that they could face additional charges when using their device overseas [2]. To address this issue, mobile providers must now set out their roaming charges clearly, starting from October 1, 2022.
Meanwhile, there are also significant changes on the horizon for council tax and water bills. Council tax and water bills are expected to increase significantly in the near future [3]. However, there is no recent indication that energy bills will follow suit, as they are set to fall significantly, although the exact timing is not specified.
References:
- Ofcom requires mobile providers to message customers when they start roaming on foreign soil
- Ofcom reforms data roaming charges for UK holidaymakers
- Council tax and water bills to increase significantly in the near future
In light of the changes, mobile providers may need to allocate resources in their finance division to carefully calculate and disclose the costs associated with roaming, as per the new rules implemented by Ofcom [1]. Furthermore, the increased transparency in roaming charges could potentially drive the adoption of technology that enables real-time tracking of data usage and costs while abroad.
With significant changes expected for council tax and water bills, there might be a need for households to adapt and leverage technology, such as budgeting apps, to manage their finances more effectively in the face of potential increases [3]. Alternatively, understanding and utilizing the advantages of digital payment systems could help consumers mitigate the impact of increased financial burdens related to council tax and water bills.
