Travellers bitten by global roaming charges, especially for smartphone Internet and app usage, have shot up by 80 percent according to the Australia’s Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman.
The TIO’s 2010 annual report cited ‘bill shock’ following an overseas trip, and excessive monthly charges due to surcharges on over-plan data downloads, as a major issue for consumers.
“Disputes about internet downloads over mobile devices were up 70 per cent and cases about the calculation or imposition of global roaming charges were up 80 per cent” observed Ombudsman Simon Cohen. “We think that’s a particular area where giving good information to consumers would reduce the prospect of them ending up with unexpected charges.”
Teresa Corbin, CEO for peak consumer body Australian Communications Consumer Action Network, said that bill shock remains the “fastest-growing problem area” for mobile phone users.
“Consumers need the ACMA (Australian Communications and Media Authority) to act now to curb bill shock and credit management issues before they end up spiralling out of control in the same way mobile premium services did five years ago.”
The number of complaints in 2009-2010 increased for mobile carriers Vodafone, 3 and Virgin Mobile but were down for Telstra and Optus.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
24 Nov 2010
Total posts 60
I feel for those that have been on the receiving end of these roaming charges, I've seen people with phone bills dearer than their holidays as a result, that said there are so many ways to use technolgy to your advantage these days, maybe things your phone company doesn't care to tell you about but worthy of some more info here I suspect, I'm sure there would be more than a few travelers that would find some how-to articles on what's possible useful
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Dec 2010
Total posts 16
Self-interest, but try www.vroam.com - only business roaming service in Australia not affiliated with a major network. Typically saves 50% of roaming cost. Post-paid, itemised bills, and you are still contactable on your normal Australian number.
28 Dec 2010
Total posts 4
TravelSIM - services major business in Aust and consumers. Completely independent and completely Australian owned. Save 70 - 90% on roaming calls in over 190 countries. pre and post trip bill analysis and demonstrated saving. Easy to use your Aust number. https://www.travelsim.net.au/ p1300 851 676; 0286687500 . Get one in Aust Post, Allphones, JV Mobile, RACQ, RACV, NRMA, RAA, TCU, Travel Agents, Online.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Dec 2010
Total posts 16
www.vroam.com
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Dec 2010
Total posts 16
https://www.ausbt.com.au/news/view/56/travelsim-customers-scammed
28 Dec 2010
Total posts 4
Phishing - Vodafone know about this. Hackers are everywhere. Vroam is not immune.
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