Right Now I’m A-Roaming … but not for long!

In June of last year the European Commission announced that they would be cutting the price caps on data roaming charges by more than half. Previously the caps had been set at 45 cents per megabyte; as of 1^st July 2014 they were set at 20 cents per megabyte. 

They also reduced the caps on making a call (from 24c to 19c per minute), receiving a call (from 7c to 5c per minute), and sending a text message (from 8c to 6c).

This was decidedly Good News. It meant that business owners who had to travel in the EU were facing smaller phone bills, and that families and individuals who were holidaying were less afraid to keep their phones on lest they be whacked with an unexpected data roaming charge.

And now?

As of 15^th December 2015, roaming charges will be no more.

Members of the European Parliament have voted – by 534 votes to 25 – to ban these extra charges all together. The proposed reforms need to be approved by the Council of the European Union, however, before they take effect.

There have been concerns amongst some parties – some network providers, and internet service providers – that the system is unworkable or open to abuse.

It is possible that removing roaming charges could reduce revenue to some companies, but there are hopes that this will be countered by the industry as a whole working together to invest in building networks that can handle an increasing volume of data. There is also the less easily measured factor of whether a large enough number of people who currently turn their phones off whilst abroad to avoid roaming charges, would continue to use them during that time instead.

A proposal by Italy to set a ‘fair use’ limit might also prevent the problem of people abusing the system. As it stands, by committing to banning roaming charges, the EU has potentially opened the doors to businesses and individuals getting the cheapest mobile phone deal from any EU country, and using it elsewhere. The ‘fair use’ proposal would mean that a certain percentage only of a user’s phone usage could be in another country to that of their original deal.

But why?

No doubt there will be those of you who are wondering why the EU even care about roaming charges; businesses decide upon their own terms and conditions, don’t they?

There are two main reasons that the EU have been steadily reducing roaming charges over the last seven years. Firstly; they care because we’ve told them to. That’s all part of government. But secondly; they care because of their digital single market policy.

The European Commission is centred on the plan for a single European market, where Member States can trade freely, with no barriers. They have said that the digital single market holds “one of the main keys to a new dynamic across the European economy as a whole, fostering jobs, growth, innovation and social progress”.

What do you think? Is the removal of roaming charges integral to the process of creating a digital single market? And is this all a good thing? Talk to us at Fivebars Mobile and share your views on our Facebook and Twitter. 

(image - travelandleisure.com)

Got Christmas shopping to do? Use your mobile phone

With Christmas just around the corner there is always so much to do.  Present shopping, ordering the turkey, food shopping, and wrapping presents, and all around a full-time job and family life. It’s no secret that Christmas shopping can be extremely stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. 

If you’re yet to start, or you still have a long way to go, then why not consider grabbing a cup of tea, relaxing on the sofa, and shopping via your mobile phone? 

Appy shopping 

Many retailers have made shopping even easier.  With handy retail apps, you can find exactly what you’re looking for, purchase it, and all from the comfort of your home or workplace. Head on over to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and you’ll find hundreds of apps from Amazon and ASOS to eBay and Etsy. 

Coded shopping 

If you’ve not seen a QR code before then you’ve been living in a cave. QR stands for quick response, which is exactly what you want when you’re shopping for Christmas presents. Often deals are presented in the form of a QR code, which resembles an odd-looking bar code. Simply download the QR code reader to your app and shop away. 

List crazy 

You can create lists on your phone, and you can even find apps that help you create a list and stick to your budget, so you don’t go overspending.  Organisation is key, so make the most of your mobile phone and get shopping. 

Paypal 

Make sure you set up a PayPal account.  This will take all the hassle out of creating a new account for each product you buy.  Most large retailers will give you the option to shop using credit or debit card or using PayPal. Set up a PayPal account now and you need never type your credit card details in again! 

Christmas shopping doesn’t have to be stressful, you don’t even need to step outside your front door. You can simply press a few buttons on your phone and have it all delivered to your home. 

Happy shopping! 

A change is gonna come - Ofcom set to make changes to 08 numbers

2015 will see many changes in the technology, and telecommunications industry; many of which we’re yet to know about.  But, there is some good news for anyone who’s tired of hearing ‘Calls from other operators and mobile provides may vary and will be charged at their normal rate’ when calling an 0800 number from a mobile phone. 

Demise of landlines 

As of June 2015, Ofcom (the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries), will be bringing in a free of charge service for anyone calling an 0800, 0808 and 116 number from their mobile. With landline usage in decline, it is a sensible move forward.  With such a huge revolution in mobile phones, the trusty landline is in serious decline.  More people communicate via text message, email and mobile phone calls than with a landline. And, Ofcom themselves has reported that the number of mobile-only homes has gone from 10% in 2006 to over 15% in 2012. 

With many businesses and services offering an 0800 or 0808 number it will no doubt mean an increase in calls from mobile phones to such services. 

Time to change

Another change that will take affect as of next year is that anyone dialing an 084, 087, 09 or 118 number will be made clear of the exact costs of placing such a call.  This will help the called to determine whether they wish to continue.  For mobile phone users it's essential to know the exact cost of calls that are outside of your plan, as hefty bills can be problematic.

If you currently run a business that could be affected by such changes then don’t worry, Ofcom will be in touch to let you know more. You have plenty of time to find out what to do next and there will be a variety of options available to you. 

Overall, there is a demand for businesses to make life easier and less costly for mobile phone users, particularly as the number of landlines installed continues to fall. 

If you’re concerned about any of the changes then do contact Ofcom to find out more.  Also, if you’re worried about your current mobile phone tariff and want to reduce your costs further then speak to us at Fivebars Mobile to find out how we can help.