IPAD USERS WARNED OF ROAMING CHARGES WHILST ABROAD
The summer getaway is just around the corner and whilst many Brits are weighing up the costs of a week in the sun, others will be looking for the best option for using their iPad abroad without running up a huge mobile broadband bill.
Michael Phillips, product director, Broadbandchoices.co.uk commented:
“iPads are incredibly useful to take away on holiday since they allow you to stay in touch, listen to music, watch films and keep up to date with any potential travel issues while you are away. However even simple tasks like checking your email can become expensive if you are using your domestic iPad tariff to surf while on holiday abroad.
“New rules were introduced in July 2010 placing the onus on broadband providers to cap the cost of using the internet whilst abroad within in the EU at €50 (around £44) – but this is still rather expensive, and is only applicable within the EU. If consumers are going online in countries just outside of the EU or elsewhere in the world they are exposing themselves to prices and policies that vary massively from one supplier to the next.
“iPad roaming costs aren’t necessarily the same as those applied to regular mobile broadband packages, so we strongly urge consumers planning to take their iPad abroad to follow our quick tips below to avoid a nasty bill shock when they get home from their holidays.”
Broadbandchoices.co.uk’s top tips for avoiding roaming charges
- Check the small print: Although EU roaming costs are capped, some providers such as 3 apply a cap no matter where you are in the world, whilst others offer no cap at all for countries outside the EU. Find out from your supplier what the rules are for your destination.
- Set your own usage cap: If you are concerned that you won’t be able to keep track of your surfing whilst abroad, contact your provider to set a cut-off point.
- Use wi-fi when you can: Making use of wi-fi in a hotel, coffee shop or even McDonalds allows you to surf for free on a faster, more reliable signal. Even if you have to pay to use a local wi-fi connection this can still work out cheaper than paying premium roaming rates.
- Avoid hidden costs: Turn off apps that use the internet to update your information automatically – for example, tools that keep track of your location and post it to Facebook. Allowing these to continue running throughout your holiday can lead to huge charges being racked up.
- Turn off data roaming: The easiest way to avoid mobile broadband charges whilst abroad is to turn off data roaming on your iPad
- When in Rome: When you arrive overseas consider buying a local SIM card that you can adapt to fit your iPad. It will almost certainly be cheaper than paying roaming rates to your UK provider.
Michael continued:
“Anyone planning a stay-cation this year as an alternative to going abroad should still ensure they are on the best SIM only plan for mobile broadband on the move.”
For further information please contact:
Michael Phillips/Jon Ingram Broadbandchoices.co.uk 020 7400 6234
Karen Wagg/Emily Church Peregrine Communications 020 3178 5013
About Broadbandchoices.co.uk
Broadbandchoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and is the UK’s leading Ofcom accredited broadband comparison calculator.
We offer comprehensive and impartial advice on broadband, mobile broadband and bundled packages (broadband with home phone and digital TV) saving our users over £200 when they switch.
The Broadbandchoices.co.uk calculator compares thousands of different combinations of packages and provides results in a clear, intuitive table where users can rank and compare services according to their individual needs.
Broadbandchoices.co.uk powers over 20 leading comparison services including Confused.com, Comparethemarket.com and GoCompare.com.
BROADBANDCHOICES.CO.UK COMMENTS ON TODAY’S OFCOM BROADBAND SPEED REPORT
Michael Phillips, Product Director for Broadbandchoices.co.uk, commented:
“Our own independent consumer research has been unequivocal in highlighting that broadband speeds are a major source of dissatisfaction for UK broadband customers and our 2011 customer survey indicates that year- on-year satisfaction is down for the third year running. This is disappointing considering providers continue to market their services on speed-led messaging.
“Broadbandchoices.co.uk has been pushing for ‘typical speeds’ to be made the gold standard for speed measurement since 2007 – in the same way that banks use ‘typical APR’ percentages.
“To date, consumers have effectively been misled by broadband providers’ claims of what speeds are technically feasible compared to what they will receive in the real world. We want Ofcom to implement a much clearer – and more prescriptive – marketing message policy for all broadband providers.”
“The continued roll out of BT Infinity should give consumers a viable alternative to Virgin Media when it comes to super-fast broadband packages that can actually live up to the advertised messages – Virgin Media’s fibre optic service continues to fare well in this respect.”
For tips on speeding up your existing broadband connection, read the guide below:
http://www.broadbandchoices.co.uk/speeding-up-your-broadband-complete-guide.html
About Broadbandchoices.co.uk
Broadbandchoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and is the UK’s leading Ofcom accredited broadband comparison calculator.
We offer comprehensive and impartial advice on broadband, mobile broadband and bundled packages (broadband with home phone and digital TV) saving our users over £200 when they switch.
The Broadbandchoices.co.uk calculator compares thousands of different combinations of packages and provides results in a clear, intuitive table where users can rank and compare services according to their individual needs.
Users can switch online or by calling our sales team on 0800 232 1279.
Broadbandchoices.co.uk powers over 20 leading comparison services including Confused.com, Comparethemarket.com and GoCompare.com.
Broadbandchoices.co.uk – working hard to save you money
£££s DOWN THE DRAIN ON UNLIMITED DOWNLOAD PACKAGES
- Over 40% of UK broadband customers have a package with an unlimited download allowance.
- Most of those on an unlimited deal are not making full use of their allowance, indicating they could save money by downsizing to a cheaper package.
New research* from Broadbandchoices.co.uk has revealed that although over 40% (43%) of British broadband customers pay for a package with an unlimited download allowance, the vast majority don’t take full advantage of this feature. This means they could be paying more than they need to for a broadband service that is unsuitable for them.
Of the respondents with an unlimited data allowance, almost 1 in 10 (9%) said they used less than 1GB per month – a tiny amount. The other results were:
- 21% said they used just 2GB – 10GB per month
- 14% use only 11GB – 20GB
- 9% use between 21GB – 40GB.
- The majority, 37% don’t know how much they download in a month.
Michael Phillips, product director at Broadbandchoices.co.uk commented:
“What these stats highlight is the significant disparity between what broadband customers actually need and what they are paying for. Whilst the way we use the internet has changed dramatically over the last few years with the launch of online TV and gaming services, the main bulk of customers still use their connection simply for the basics – emailing, shopping, banking and surfing. These tasks really don’t require a high level package with an unlimited download allowance.
“Practical understanding of the issue is a big problem. Whilst awareness of download limits is growing, it is still difficult for customers to quantify what they do – as demonstrated by the 37% of respondents who had no idea at all how much they actually downloaded every month. Broadband providers have a role to play here, as a massive 90% of respondents claimed that their service provider does not help them monitor how much they download. Something as simple as providing a free download monitor would make a huge difference, by allowing customers to identify if they aren’t making the most of their allowance.
“Customers can make smart broadband switches to cut monthly charges, saving money on unwanted download limits. For example, Sky offer broadband ‘free of charge’ for customers of their satellite TV services, but with a low usage monthly usage limit of 2GB. While Plusnet charge only £6.49 for a 10GB without needing to take a bundle.”
“A service that isn’t being fully utilised is essentially a waste of money. The VAT hike this year has made all households even more aware of the need to trim back on monthly bills wherever possible. I strongly urge any broadband customers who might be overpaying for a service they are not using to really examine their needs and compare their current deal with more relevant, cheaper alternatives. With potential savings of over £200** they certainly have nothing to lose – and could have a lot to gain.”
Broadbandchoices.co.uk’s top tips for reviewing your broadband package:
- Track your usage – use a download monitor to identify your monthly usage. This will give you a reasonable idea of the kind of download allowance you will need.
- Be realistic – consider your habits as a broadband user. The thought of watching TV online and downloading music may sound great fun but how often will you actually do this? If you only intend to use your connection for emailing and general surfing you will only need a basic service.
- Compare deals in your area – package availability and costs vary by postcode. There might be a solution available in your area offering greater savings so use an Ofcom approved comparison broadband calculator (www.broadbandchoices.co.uk) to check out the best deals.
- Haggle with your existing provider – they may have a newer, cheaper deal you can move across to without changing supplier.
- Sign up online - many broadband providers offer additional discounts and incentives if you subscribe online rather than over the phone. Price comparison sites also frequently have exclusive deals negotiated with ISPs, so check an Ofcom-accredited site for the best offers.
About Broadbandchoices.co.uk
Broadbandchoices.co.uk was launched in 2005 and is the UK’s leading Ofcom accredited broadband comparison calculator.
We offer comprehensive and impartial advice on broadband, mobile broadband and bundled packages (broadband with home phone and digital TV) and can save our users over £200 when they switch.
The Broadbandchoices.co.uk calculator compares thousands of different combinations of packages and provides results in a clear, intuitive table where users can rank and compare services according to their individual needs.
Users can switch online or by calling our sales team on 0800 232 1279.
Broadbandchoices.co.uk powers over 20 leading comparison services including Confused.com, Comparethemarket.com and GoCompare.com.
Broadbandchoices.co.uk – working hard to save you money