Mobile operators cash in on summer holidaymakers

With a month to go until mobile phone operators are forced to cap roaming charges, SimplySwitch.com can reveal that thousands of customers are still in the dark about when they will be able to take advantage of the new rates.

Mystery shopper research by SimplySwitch.com, the price comparison and switching service, found three out of the big seven operators[1] were unable to tell customers when they would be introducing the new 'Eurotariff'. Furthermore, some operators, including Vodafone and 3 mobile, are choosing to stall tariff changes until the last possible moment[2], ensuring that holidaymakers continue to pay a premium for calls throughout the peak summer holiday period.

Karen Darby, from SimplySwitch.com, comments “T-Mobile, Virgin and BT mobile are still failing to communicate to customers when their new pricing structures come into effect, leaving them confused and worried during a key holiday period.

"I would advise anyone jetting off on holiday before their operator price caps come into effect, to do their research before they go. If they are likely to use their mobile while overseas, most major networks offer ‘bolt on’ deals that can reduce call prices by up to 80%. These usually cost between £2 and £3 per month, and customers are free to sign up for just the month that they’re on holiday.”

Recent research by SimplySwitch.com revealed that 63% of UK mobile users would switch providers if offered a better tariff[3]. Those operators, such as O2, the first provider to introduce the ‘Eurotariff’ on 31st July, should benefit in the short-term as customers seek out the best rates.

[1] Mystery Shopper Research carried out by SimplySwitch.com
[2] Please see table below
[3] Research carried out online by TPoll for SimplySwitch.com – 1,001 respondents, January 2007