Ofcom has recently released a leaflet, which is loaded with simple yet practical tips that can help mobile users save money. The leaflet is accompanied by a humorous video that seems to be shot by some first year film students, portraying typical touristy scenarios. The videos is able to excellently communicate the intended message of using mobiles wisely when on a vacation.

Ofcom’s advice to mobile phone users is fairly straightforward. For example, they ask users to check whether their mobiles and laptops will function in the country of their visit. A mobile customer should also be well aware of the services being offered by their provider and what charges would be applied while using their mobile phones abroad. Clear information about the charges that would be applicable for any kind of data transfer such as SMS or video, using voice services or even making use of mobile internet, should be obtained. This can help keep a check on mobile phone usage while vacationing. An alternative consideration for connection could be mobile internet pay as you go.

An increasing number of cases of customers receiving enormous telephone bills after returning from their foreign holidays have come to light. This has evoked a serious response from both the EU and Ofcom, as the summer vacation season is about to start.

The EU has come up with a plan to entice vacationers by imposing an upper limit on roaming charges to mobile phone users within all its member countries. This will certainly ease some of the mobile users’ worry.