Mobile phone bill shocks 'bad for the industry'

An EU ruling to prevent people receiving a shock when they open their mobile phone bill after an overseas trip has been welcomed.

Brian Turner, Executive Editor of Techwatch.co.uk, indicated that the move will benefit consumers and the mobile phone industry alike.

"It's important that where a consumer is not immediately aware of their spending, that they can now be warned if costs are about to spiral," he stressed.

Transparency will help protect customers against a range of different tariffs, which can often prove confusing, Mr Turner said.

As of March 1st, consumers in the EU are now protected by a cut-off limit facility to protect them from bill shocks after surfing the internet using their mobile phone abroad.

Providers are obligated to offer a limit of £50, although are able to provide customers with any other cut off point if they so choose.

It will also apply to mobile broadband packages, which will further reduce people's ability to overspend while away in Europe.

Posted by Martin Ellis