EU ruling on mobile roaming charges gets the go ahead

Yesterday's ruling by the European Court of Justice backing moves to cut mobile roaming rates by up to 70% from 1st July may not be welcomed by the major mobile networks but is a saving grace for the 22 million holiday makers who will be taking their phones abroad this summer according to uSwitch.com.

Matthew Wheeler, Communications Expert at uSwitch.com, comments: "This is fantastic news for everyone about to jet off this summer. 8 out of 10 consumers currently think that they are charged to much for using their phone while on holiday.

"A word of caution though - the caps coming into play only protect those travelling insider the EU. Holidaymakers venturing further afield to flee the Euro will still need to keep a close eye on how they use their phone.

"Wherever you are going it's still well worth contacting your network before you travel to ensure that you fully understand the cost of using your phone while you are away. Switch off your voicemail and roaming options unless you really need to use them. International and local SIM cards are a great way of making calls while abroad as you can benefit from far cheaper rates. When it comes to using the internet on your mobile abroad, the best advice is don't do it. While some networks are offering special deals, roaming abroad is still far from cheap. Talk and text is definitely cheaper."

Savvy consumers can avoid returning home to an unwelcome bill by using uSwitch.com's mobile do's and don'ts:

Keep roaming to a minimum - Switch off data roaming in your phone settings or ask your supplier to switch off voicemail and data services for the duration of your break.

Ask your provider to cap data roaming charges to an affordable level.

If you have an unlocked phone, then buy a local SIM card when you arrive for local rates.

If you know you will be making calls while away, look into buying an international PAYG SIM, such as Trufone.

Speak to your mobile phone provider about overseas charges - you may be able to switch onto a cheaper roaming package.

If taking your phone for emergencies only, switch it off in the UK and only switch on if needed while away, as charges can rack up every time you turn the phone on.

If you want to keep in touch, try to text rather than call - it's far cheaper.

If you are a PAYG customer, make sure you have topped up enough before you travel.

If travelling with a partner/family consider taking just the one mobile between you.