Regulator issues mobile phone advice

The Telecom Regulator has issued new advice to consumers on how to reduce their mobile call charges when travelling in France, Spain, Portugal, Greece and the Netherlands following the publication of a second report to increase consumer awareness on mobile roaming charges.

Cost savings are possible across most destinations by switching from a pre-pay to a post-pay service.

Also, when manually selecting mobile networks consumers could save anywhere up to 53% depending on the travel destination and the network selected.

Other general cost saving options include controlling incoming calls through diversion and barring, use of text messages, availing of cheaper off-peak tariffs and use of International Traveller Services for high usage consumers.

The Regulator says that the best advice to the consumer is to contact an Irish mobile operator before travelling and pick an option that best suits her individual usage requirements.