Within the next year or so the number of telephone calls made from mobile phones are likely to outstrip those made on traditional landlines. We are clearly becoming more and more dependent on our mobile phones. That means it's really important that we get good service from the mobile phone companies.
Ofcom, the UK's telecoms regulator has just launched a consultation to see how happy people are with their mobile phone service.
You'll remember that MEPs recently cracked down on mobile roaming charges, and it's looking increasingly likely that further action will be taken on text message charging from abroad.
However another important problem area concerns so called 'mobile termination rates'. These are the charges that mobile phone companies charge each other for routing calls over their networks. Mobile termination rates are the reason why it's almost always more expensive to call a customer on another phone network than on your own network. It's often hard to know how much you're likely to be charged for calling another network.
Both Ofcom and the European Commission are looking at tackling these charges. That way calling between mobile phone networks should be cheaper and the prices more transparent.
What would you like to improve on your mobile phone service? Or are you happy with the service you get for the price you pay?
You can find out more about Ofcom's consultation (and even contribute yourself) on the links below.
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/msa08/
Showing posts with label mobile phones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mobile phones. Show all posts
Monday, 1 September 2008
Wednesday, 11 June 2008
ROAMING FREE
Last year MEPs clamped down on mobile phone roaming charges. Under the rules we imposed, mobile phone operators were limited to the amount they can charge users who take their mobile phone on holiday. We hoped this would avoid both holiday makers and business people from receiving an unpleasant surprise when they returned home - in the form of a huge bill.
This year will be the first full summer season when these new capped rates will apply. I'd be interested in your views as to whether this regulation has been a success. Are you more likely to use your phone abroad now that the price is capped at a reasonable level? What do you think about the notification text messages that you receive when you roam? Do these text messages give you a clear enough indication of what price you will be charged to make and receive calls abroad?
When we introduced the roaming regulations, MEPs decided to only cover voice calls initially. However we challenged the mobile phone operators that if they didn't cut their text message and data charges from abroad, we would look at introducing measures to reduce those prices too.
Lets hope the phone networks take action on data prices so that we don't have to.
This year will be the first full summer season when these new capped rates will apply. I'd be interested in your views as to whether this regulation has been a success. Are you more likely to use your phone abroad now that the price is capped at a reasonable level? What do you think about the notification text messages that you receive when you roam? Do these text messages give you a clear enough indication of what price you will be charged to make and receive calls abroad?
When we introduced the roaming regulations, MEPs decided to only cover voice calls initially. However we challenged the mobile phone operators that if they didn't cut their text message and data charges from abroad, we would look at introducing measures to reduce those prices too.
Lets hope the phone networks take action on data prices so that we don't have to.
Monday, 18 February 2008
CULTURE TRADE UNIONS
18th Feb 2008
Last week I had my regular three to four monthly meeting with the trade unions representing people in the culture industries - BECTU, the NUJ, the Musicians' Union, the Writers' guild and those in the film industry. These meetings are helpful for me as I can judge things on the Culture Committee better for having had the unions' input. I also like to think they find talking to me helpful.
At this last meeting, in addition to the perennial Working Time Directive, we discussed the allocation for the spare radio spectrum released by the move to digital technology - the digital dividend. There is a real danger that this spectrum, which is in the hands of Member States and will therefore be disposed of by the UK, will be sold to the highest bidder with little regard for the best use of this resource.
The highest bidder in this case will more than likely be the mobile phone operators. Since the spectrum is being released by broadcasters, there is a strong moral argument that the broadcasters should keep a large chunk of it. If broadcasting is to remain at a reasonable standard, adequate spectrum facility is important. Plus, do we want ever more fancy and extensive mobile phone communication, the end result of which may be lack of privacy and ultimately an end to any idea of free time?
Last week I had my regular three to four monthly meeting with the trade unions representing people in the culture industries - BECTU, the NUJ, the Musicians' Union, the Writers' guild and those in the film industry. These meetings are helpful for me as I can judge things on the Culture Committee better for having had the unions' input. I also like to think they find talking to me helpful.
At this last meeting, in addition to the perennial Working Time Directive, we discussed the allocation for the spare radio spectrum released by the move to digital technology - the digital dividend. There is a real danger that this spectrum, which is in the hands of Member States and will therefore be disposed of by the UK, will be sold to the highest bidder with little regard for the best use of this resource.
The highest bidder in this case will more than likely be the mobile phone operators. Since the spectrum is being released by broadcasters, there is a strong moral argument that the broadcasters should keep a large chunk of it. If broadcasting is to remain at a reasonable standard, adequate spectrum facility is important. Plus, do we want ever more fancy and extensive mobile phone communication, the end result of which may be lack of privacy and ultimately an end to any idea of free time?
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