The Communications Commission recently updated its website with information about avoiding high data roaming charges when travelling with a mobile phone.
When you do things like surf the web, check emails, open attachments, download songs, upload pictures to social media or stream movies on your phone when travelling, you will be charged for using data. Even if you do not engage in these activities, if data roaming is enabled on your phone, various applications may update in the background, which can lead to a large bill.
A simple solution is to disable data roaming. Hotels and cafes often provide cheap or free Wi-Fi, and this allows you to connect to the internet without roaming. Another option is to purchase a local SIM card. If you do need to data roam, your phone provider will offer more cost-effective roaming packages that can be purchased before your trip.
Chairman of the Commission, Hon. Juan Watterson MHK said:
“People want to stay connected while travelling. Understanding the options, such as turning off data roaming and using Wi-Fi, or purchasing a roaming package before the trip, will allow consumers to avoid high roaming costs.”
The Commission provides roaming advice on its FAQ page (http://www.iomcc.im/faq.xml) and additional guidance here: http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/cc/avoid_high_data_roaming_charges.pdf.
Consumers should visit their phone provider’s website for more information about roaming. To get instructions on how to disable data roaming, Manx Telecom customers can call 01624 624 624, and Sure customers can call 07624 247 247.
