ACMA introduces overseas roaming standard, but does it go far enough?

The Australian Communication and Media Authority has today released a new standard for international roaming services, directing telcos to give customers more information about charges and an easy way to opt-out of roaming if they choose. The new guidelines are a step forward, but are they enough to end holiday bill shock?

Under the new standards, telcos will need to offer customers a shortlist of information regarding roaming costs once they access a different network in a foreign country. This information includes a warning about high costs and pricing information in the beginning, then updates about how much is being spent during their time away from home.

Customers are to be warned in $100 increments about how much they have spent or receive 50-, 85- and 100% usage alerts if they have an international roaming plan. Further to this, customers have to do offered a "low-cost" option for opting out of roaming altogether.

Should go further?

The new standard has been welcomed by consumer advocates, including the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), though it is calling for telcos to "come clean" about roaming to make sure customers understand how roaming works and what they can expect to pay for it.

"The excuse from providers that they are simply passing on the costs from international carriers is not convincing, as virtually zero transparency is provided as to how such exorbitant fees are derived," says ACCAN's Asher Moses.

In a statement, ACCAN pointed to KPMG statistics from 2011 that place Australia third for most expensive global roaming data rates at $12 per MB. It also highlights an increase in consumer complaints to the Telecommunications Ombudsmen, up to 4,100 between 2011 and 2012.

The sort of change ACCAN is hoping to see is occurring in other parts of the world. Countries in the EU are soon to vote on new legislation that would enforce fair roaming rates across many countries in Europe.

If you'd prefer to take control of your own spending and not worry about what regulations are place, we suggest you take a look at our guide 'How To Beat Mobile Phone Bill Shock When Travelling Overseas'.

Joseph Hanlon

Editorial Director | X | LinkedIn

Joe Hanlon has been immersed in mobile phones, plans and the internet for over a decade, having written for publications like CNET, Techradar, Gizmodo and Lifehacker. He steers the editorial ship and makes sure that we are always serving up the most useful guides and recommendations. If you ever bump into Joe on the street, don't be afraid to ask for a phone recommendation. It's embarrassing how much he enjoys talking about this stuff. He also loves listening to podcasts, so feel free to email Joe with recommendations.

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