Mobile phone operator Truphone, that cuts roaming charges through Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, has revealed results from its survey that show the vast majority of travellers feel they are cheated by the cost of making and receiving costs abroad.
Despite ongoing talks in the European parliament about reducing roaming charges by 70% ” a vote on the issue has been repeatedly delayed but could take place later this month ” one in four survey respondents said they would still feel the costs were too high. Only 11% said the proposed reduction would make calling abroad ”cheap.”
A key issue in the debate, according to Truphone, is the lack of transparency about what the charges really are. Almost half of those surveyed (44%) said they had ”absolutely no idea” of how much calling and receiving calls costs when travelling, with a further 37% only discovering the cost when their bill arrives.
”If the EU votes for cheaper roaming calls it will still be too little for most of us,” said Truphone CEO, James Tagg. ”Reducing an outrageous sum by 70% still leaves a large sum. It also does nothing for the millions of us that enjoy using SMS messages to stay in touch.
”And the operators clearly ought to be a lot more communicative, as their customers still won”t know if they need to budget for taking their mobile on holiday as if it is an extra family member.”
Various operators have emerged claiming to drastically reduce roaming charges ” including Truphone, AwayPhone and 1st4phonecards subsidiary letsroam ” although as Tagg explained these companies need more exposure.
”The most important thing to which the EU could now turn its attention is ensuring that innovation in mobile services is promoted and that a ”level playing field” is provided to new entrants, who will instil price pressure through innovative us of technology.”