No they were clear at the time that the price promise relates to line rentals.
Vodafone raises monthly bills by up to 10% (You can leave without penalty)
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Originally Posted by sethpet:
“No they were clear at the time that the price promise relates to line rentals.”
“No they were clear at the time that the price promise relates to line rentals.”
It was only 2 weeks ago, we know what it's like being stuck in a long contract... we want it to be worry free, don't worry we won't put your contract up....
Then a 45% increase to non included but commonly called numbers. If you don't understand that and you think it's Vodafone bashing then so be...
Can a network now pick and choose who they contact based on what they predict your usage will be (going by what you've done so far)?
That's a slippery slope.
But of course every network must now try and figure out ways to up charges so that once they can't charge a premium for EU roaming, they'll have got the out of bundle fees up to a similar level.
And then the bundles you get will be clearly marked for UK only. In fact, Vodafone has been saying UK only for a good couple of years or more.
Simples. No roaming charges, just the UK rates which - oh, guess what - are now stupidly high. But, once again, they're no higher than you'd pay in the UK if you weren't getting a load of data bundled 'for free'.
Bear in mind, I'm talking about every network wanting to do this. It's the easy way to get around the changes forced upon them by the EC.
That's a slippery slope.
But of course every network must now try and figure out ways to up charges so that once they can't charge a premium for EU roaming, they'll have got the out of bundle fees up to a similar level.
And then the bundles you get will be clearly marked for UK only. In fact, Vodafone has been saying UK only for a good couple of years or more.
Simples. No roaming charges, just the UK rates which - oh, guess what - are now stupidly high. But, once again, they're no higher than you'd pay in the UK if you weren't getting a load of data bundled 'for free'.
Bear in mind, I'm talking about every network wanting to do this. It's the easy way to get around the changes forced upon them by the EC.
Originally Posted by jonmorris:
“Can a network now pick and choose who they contact based on what they predict your usage will be (going by what you've done so far)?
That's a slippery slope.
But of course every network must now try and figure out ways to up charges so that once they can't charge a premium for EU roaming, they'll have got the out of bundle fees up to a similar level.
And then the bundles you get will be clearly marked for UK only. In fact, Vodafone has been saying UK only for a good couple of years or more.
Simples. No roaming charges, just the UK rates which - oh, guess what - are now stupidly high. But, once again, they're no higher than you'd pay in the UK if you weren't getting a load of data bundled 'for free'.
Bear in mind, I'm talking about every network wanting to do this. It's the easy way to get around the changes forced upon them by the EC.”
“Can a network now pick and choose who they contact based on what they predict your usage will be (going by what you've done so far)?
That's a slippery slope.
But of course every network must now try and figure out ways to up charges so that once they can't charge a premium for EU roaming, they'll have got the out of bundle fees up to a similar level.
And then the bundles you get will be clearly marked for UK only. In fact, Vodafone has been saying UK only for a good couple of years or more.
Simples. No roaming charges, just the UK rates which - oh, guess what - are now stupidly high. But, once again, they're no higher than you'd pay in the UK if you weren't getting a load of data bundled 'for free'.
Bear in mind, I'm talking about every network wanting to do this. It's the easy way to get around the changes forced upon them by the EC.”
Agreed. I do hope Ofcom look into this.
Originally Posted by jonmorris:
“Can a network now pick and choose who they contact based on what they predict your usage will be (going by what you've done so far)?
That's a slippery slope.
But of course every network must now try and figure out ways to up charges so that once they can't charge a premium for EU roaming, they'll have got the out of bundle fees up to a similar level.
And then the bundles you get will be clearly marked for UK only. In fact, Vodafone has been saying UK only for a good couple of years or more.
Simples. No roaming charges, just the UK rates which - oh, guess what - are now stupidly high. But, once again, they're no higher than you'd pay in the UK if you weren't getting a load of data bundled 'for free'.
Bear in mind, I'm talking about every network wanting to do this. It's the easy way to get around the changes forced upon them by the EC.”
“Can a network now pick and choose who they contact based on what they predict your usage will be (going by what you've done so far)?
That's a slippery slope.
But of course every network must now try and figure out ways to up charges so that once they can't charge a premium for EU roaming, they'll have got the out of bundle fees up to a similar level.
And then the bundles you get will be clearly marked for UK only. In fact, Vodafone has been saying UK only for a good couple of years or more.
Simples. No roaming charges, just the UK rates which - oh, guess what - are now stupidly high. But, once again, they're no higher than you'd pay in the UK if you weren't getting a load of data bundled 'for free'.
Bear in mind, I'm talking about every network wanting to do this. It's the easy way to get around the changes forced upon them by the EC.”
That is not what is happening. it is not a slippery slope. and they are not predicting your usage.
there are actual terms of the contract that they are fulfilling:
Quote:
“11 Ending this agreement
b) You may end this agreement by writing to us if:
- we don't do something fundamental that we should have done under this agreement (for example, if there is a complete failure of the entire UK network for seven days in a row due to something we have done), within seven days of you asking us in writing;
- we tell you that there will be an increase in the plan charge (calculated before the addition of VAT or other levy) and you write to us within one month of us telling you about the increase;
- we change this agreement to your material detriment. This includes (i) increasing charges in the UK (calculated before the addition of VAT or other levy) which has the effect of increasing your total charges (based on your usage in any of your last 3 bills) by more than 10% when compared with the charges 12 months prior to the increase; or (ii) changing or withdrawing services. We will tell you if this is the case. You need to write to us within one month of us telling you about the change, withdrawal or increase. This does not apply if this is a change to or withdrawal of third party services not included in your plan, which we and you can cancel (or stop using) without ending this agreement.”
“11 Ending this agreement
b) You may end this agreement by writing to us if:
- we don't do something fundamental that we should have done under this agreement (for example, if there is a complete failure of the entire UK network for seven days in a row due to something we have done), within seven days of you asking us in writing;
- we tell you that there will be an increase in the plan charge (calculated before the addition of VAT or other levy) and you write to us within one month of us telling you about the increase;
- we change this agreement to your material detriment. This includes (i) increasing charges in the UK (calculated before the addition of VAT or other levy) which has the effect of increasing your total charges (based on your usage in any of your last 3 bills) by more than 10% when compared with the charges 12 months prior to the increase; or (ii) changing or withdrawing services. We will tell you if this is the case. You need to write to us within one month of us telling you about the change, withdrawal or increase. This does not apply if this is a change to or withdrawal of third party services not included in your plan, which we and you can cancel (or stop using) without ending this agreement.”
So you need to have been with them over a year for them to make the comparison? And if your usage has changed, you might still not qualify?
I'm very confused as to how this is fair and acceptable. That said, if people were silly enough to sign a contract with such a rule, more fool them.
I'm very confused as to how this is fair and acceptable. That said, if people were silly enough to sign a contract with such a rule, more fool them.
Originally Posted by flagpole:
“That is not what is happening. it is not a slippery slope. and they are not predicting your usage.
there are actual terms of the contract that they are fulfilling:”
“That is not what is happening. it is not a slippery slope. and they are not predicting your usage.
there are actual terms of the contract that they are fulfilling:”
Regardless of what an operator puts in their terms, at the bottom it says it doesn't affect your statutory rights, including the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations or regulatory powers. Ofcom made the following comment about non-subscription price rises at the bottom of the fixed contract price rise decision.
Quote:
“http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/con...acts/statement
1.26 For the reasons we set out, we consider it appropriate and proportionate to limit the scope of our guidance to increases to core subscription prices for the time being. As with any price variations, increases to non-subscription prices, and the contract terms providing for them, will remain subject to the UTCCRs and to the GCs, including GC9.6. The guidance, however, will not apply to them.
1.27 We will continue to assess the application of GC9.6 to non-subscription prices on a case by case basis. We will also monitor complaints about any increases to such prices and may review our position if new evidence comes to light of consumer harm arising from them.”
“http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/con...acts/statement
1.26 For the reasons we set out, we consider it appropriate and proportionate to limit the scope of our guidance to increases to core subscription prices for the time being. As with any price variations, increases to non-subscription prices, and the contract terms providing for them, will remain subject to the UTCCRs and to the GCs, including GC9.6. The guidance, however, will not apply to them.
1.27 We will continue to assess the application of GC9.6 to non-subscription prices on a case by case basis. We will also monitor complaints about any increases to such prices and may review our position if new evidence comes to light of consumer harm arising from them.”
The test is whether it will materially detriment the customer, a consumer doesn't necessarily know what chargeable calls they will need to make in the future.
My main issue with it is:
A) The huge percentage increase on some of those calls, this alone may make it materially detrimental. Remember, no price rise is allowed now to contacts mid-term without specifying the amount in the contract and at point of sale. I would expect out of bundle price rises to be moderate, not in the region on 45% on popular numbers. The decision may be made by Ofcom that due to the amount by which some calls have increased, that it is materially detrimental to all customers, and that therefore Vodafone should be writing to all customers.
B) The press release 2 weeks ago about contact price rises where they "take the worry out of your mobile life" what does that even mean?
"They know how important is is to know how much things will cost you, especially when they’re signing up to a long-term commitment" they said.
Almost sounded like they cared!.. until the 45% increase to popular out of bundle numbers while you remain locked into the contract!
Originally Posted by Thine Wonk:
“Regardless of what an operator puts in their terms, at the bottom it says it doesn't affect your statutory rights, including the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations or regulatory powers. Ofcom made the following comment about non-subscription price rises at the bottom of the fixed contract price rise decision.
The test is whether it will materially detriment the customer, a consumer doesn't necessarily know what chargeable calls they will need to make in the future.
My main issue with it is:
A) The huge percentage increase on some of those calls, this alone may make it materially detrimental. Remember, no price rise is allowed now to contacts mid-term, and I would expect out of bundle price rises to be moderate, not extreme. The decision may be made by Ofcom that due to the amount by which some calls have increased, that it is materially detrimental to all customers, and that therefore Vodafone should be writing to all customers.
B) The press release 2 weeks ago about contact price rises where they "take the worry out of your mobile life" what does that even mean?
"They know how important is is to know how much things will cost you, especially when they’re signing up to a long-term commitment" they said.
Almost sounded like they cared!.. until the 45% increase to popular out of bundle numbers while you remain locked into the contract!”
“Regardless of what an operator puts in their terms, at the bottom it says it doesn't affect your statutory rights, including the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contract Regulations or regulatory powers. Ofcom made the following comment about non-subscription price rises at the bottom of the fixed contract price rise decision.
The test is whether it will materially detriment the customer, a consumer doesn't necessarily know what chargeable calls they will need to make in the future.
My main issue with it is:
A) The huge percentage increase on some of those calls, this alone may make it materially detrimental. Remember, no price rise is allowed now to contacts mid-term, and I would expect out of bundle price rises to be moderate, not extreme. The decision may be made by Ofcom that due to the amount by which some calls have increased, that it is materially detrimental to all customers, and that therefore Vodafone should be writing to all customers.
B) The press release 2 weeks ago about contact price rises where they "take the worry out of your mobile life" what does that even mean?
"They know how important is is to know how much things will cost you, especially when they’re signing up to a long-term commitment" they said.
Almost sounded like they cared!.. until the 45% increase to popular out of bundle numbers while you remain locked into the contract!”
This is exactly the kind of smoke and mirrors sleazy move you'd expect from a mobile operator to limit the damage of a price increase. They have all played this game looking for loopholes to bump charges on their customer base without giving anyone a path to escape existing contracts. And it looks like the games will continue.
Clearly they project they are going to make good money off these price increases (to the detriment of existing customers) or they wouldn't have bothered creating all this chaos in the first place.
Given how consistently bad Vodafone's network rates against the competition however, I suspect price rises like this will impact an ever decreasing number of people in the future.
It should be fairly easy for customers who regularly exceed their monthly allowances to change to a bundle that meets their needs. Most of the Vodafone Red plans have unlimited voice and texts with different amounts of data so the simple answer to avoid paying extra for out of bundle calls is to move to one that covers your needs.
I believe only a small percentage of customers go over their contracted bundle allowances nowadays so out of bundle call charges are unlikely to affect too many and Vodafone would not gamble losing significant numbers for the sake of a small increase in call revenues.
No idea how any operator can justify charges like 45p/min for out of bundle voice calls when others can connect the same call for 1/10th of that on PAYG. Maybe customers stung by such charges should show Vodafone the 'red card'.
I believe only a small percentage of customers go over their contracted bundle allowances nowadays so out of bundle call charges are unlikely to affect too many and Vodafone would not gamble losing significant numbers for the sake of a small increase in call revenues.
No idea how any operator can justify charges like 45p/min for out of bundle voice calls when others can connect the same call for 1/10th of that on PAYG. Maybe customers stung by such charges should show Vodafone the 'red card'.
Originally Posted by wavejockglw:
“No idea how any operator can justify charges like 45p/min for out of bundle voice calls when others can connect the same call for 1/10th of that on PAYG. Maybe customers stung by such charges should show Vodafone the 'red card'.”
“No idea how any operator can justify charges like 45p/min for out of bundle voice calls when others can connect the same call for 1/10th of that on PAYG. Maybe customers stung by such charges should show Vodafone the 'red card'.”
A lot of people make 0845, 0800 and 0870 calls from their mobile though and these are never included. The prices of those call has just shot up by 45%, so customers stuck in a contract will have to pay those new rates if they want to call those numbers from their mobile.
I'd like to see Ofcom's views on this as I'm sure some people will undoubtedly refer it.
But 0870 has been reduced to normal rates and is no longer premium. 0800 will soon be free on all networks thanks to Ofcom and 0845s are gradually being phased out by many organisations and replaced with 03 numbers.
Users have the opportunity to use landlines to minimise the cost of calling these numbers or look for alternatives on sites like www.saynoto0870.com and I am sure the savvy folks already do so.
Users have the opportunity to use landlines to minimise the cost of calling these numbers or look for alternatives on sites like www.saynoto0870.com and I am sure the savvy folks already do so.
Originally Posted by jonmorris:
“So you need to have been with them over a year for them to make the comparison? And if your usage has changed, you might still not qualify?
I'm very confused as to how this is fair and acceptable. That said, if people were silly enough to sign a contract with such a rule, more fool them.”
“So you need to have been with them over a year for them to make the comparison? And if your usage has changed, you might still not qualify?
I'm very confused as to how this is fair and acceptable. That said, if people were silly enough to sign a contract with such a rule, more fool them.”
You don't have to have been with them over a year no.
the 12 months is in respect of the possibility of them trying to sneak their way around the 10% rule by raising by less than 10% but more than one time in a year. it is to stop them being able to do this.
so the analysis of the last 3 month's bills compares those bills with the prices 12 months previously rather than the actual 3 months in question if there have been any previous rises.
confusing i guess. but necessarily.
Originally Posted by wavejockglw:
“But 0870 has been reduced to normal rates and is no longer premium. 0800 will soon be free on all networks thanks to Ofcom and 0845s are gradually being phased out by many organisations and replaced with 03 numbers.
Users have the opportunity to use landlines to minimise the cost of calling these numbers or look for alternatives on sites like www.saynoto0870.com and I am sure the savvy folks already do so.”
“But 0870 has been reduced to normal rates and is no longer premium. 0800 will soon be free on all networks thanks to Ofcom and 0845s are gradually being phased out by many organisations and replaced with 03 numbers.
Users have the opportunity to use landlines to minimise the cost of calling these numbers or look for alternatives on sites like www.saynoto0870.com and I am sure the savvy folks already do so.”
there are apps actually that intercept the call and divert.
Originally Posted by flagpole:
“there are apps actually that intercept the call and divert.”
“there are apps actually that intercept the call and divert.”
I know I have one but have not tried it yet!
Sadly lots of folks are just too lazy to bother to check the cost of making calls and contact whatever number a company provides then they get a shock when the bill arrives!
I take the point that they shouldn't have to bother though and it's down to Ofcom to ensure that companies are not exploiting people with revenue generating numbers. Perhaps a simple solution would be to force mobile ops to play a recorded message advising of the out of bundle cost giving customers an opportunity to terminate the call before it's connected and to find an alternative. That happens to me on EE when I call a LycaMobile number although EE actually include the numbers in my call bundle!
Originally Posted by wavejockglw:
“I know I have one but have not tried it yet!
Sadly lots of folks are just too lazy to bother to check the cost of making calls and contact whatever number a company provides then they get a shock when the bill arrives!
I take the point that they shouldn't have to bother though and it's down to Ofcom to ensure that companies are not exploiting people with revenue generating numbers. Perhaps a simple solution would be to force mobile ops to play a recorded message advising of the out of bundle cost giving customers an opportunity to terminate the call before it's connected and to find an alternative. That happens to me on EE when I call a LycaMobile number although EE actually include the numbers in my call bundle!”
“I know I have one but have not tried it yet!
Sadly lots of folks are just too lazy to bother to check the cost of making calls and contact whatever number a company provides then they get a shock when the bill arrives!
I take the point that they shouldn't have to bother though and it's down to Ofcom to ensure that companies are not exploiting people with revenue generating numbers. Perhaps a simple solution would be to force mobile ops to play a recorded message advising of the out of bundle cost giving customers an opportunity to terminate the call before it's connected and to find an alternative. That happens to me on EE when I call a LycaMobile number although EE actually include the numbers in my call bundle!”
you should definitely get a recorded message when you are going out of bundle. with the option to not hear it again ever or this billing cycle. for everything that is not included.
I have mixed feelings about the absurd costs for out of bundle. I don't send MMS, go over my minutes and text or call 0870, 0845 etc. people that do are obviously subsidising me. i'd prefer life to be easy but i also like cheap.
Originally Posted by sethpet:
“Can't remember the last time I made any out of bundle usage.”
“Can't remember the last time I made any out of bundle usage.”
Probably very infrequently. As I said, I think the reason for these huge increases are so they have a uniform pricing structure for the UK and within the EU.
When a bundle will only apply to the UK, those new fees you don't notice today will be what you're paying elsewhere.
Sneaky, but also pretty clever. It will satisfy the EC that you're not paying more abroad, even though you'll probably only ever pay such ridiculous rates when you're abroad.
Originally Posted by sethpet:
“Just checked through my accounts.
Seems I've not had any out of bundle charges in last 10 months.”
“Just checked through my accounts.
Seems I've not had any out of bundle charges in last 10 months.”
A lot of people do make 0845, 0800 and 0870 calls on their mobiles though, and a large amount of people aren't aware of these apps that assist with alternatives. They just call their doctors, or their energy company and will now start realising the cost has gone up 45%. I think it's fair to say that people in the mobile forum have researched and looked into these things.
These calls have now become even more of a rip off than they were already. just as one avenue of rip off calls just got closed down by the EU, these calls now shoot up by such a large amount out of nowhere.
This just 2 weeks after Vodafone issued a lot of PR about how they know how users are worried about price rises, and they understand and they promise they won't put contract prices up mid-term. Then they sneakily put the non inclusive prices up, which equally affects people in long term contracts.
Originally Posted by Thine Wonk:
“The problem I'm highlighting is shouting about fair prices and talking about Ofcom in the press release and how they know how consumers feel. they promise no surprises and talk of how important it is to be clear and know how much you're spending when you're locked into a long contract, and then 2 weeks later..
The out of bundle prices go up, not by RPI at 3% or anything, but a 45% increase to 0845, 0800 and 0870, which aren't included in your allowance.
You don't see anything wrong or two faced about that then Sethpit?”
“The problem I'm highlighting is shouting about fair prices and talking about Ofcom in the press release and how they know how consumers feel. they promise no surprises and talk of how important it is to be clear and know how much you're spending when you're locked into a long contract, and then 2 weeks later..
The out of bundle prices go up, not by RPI at 3% or anything, but a 45% increase to 0845, 0800 and 0870, which aren't included in your allowance.
You don't see anything wrong or two faced about that then Sethpit?”
You can get 0845,0800,0870 numbers if you pay £2 a month you get 300 mins a month to ring these numbers as I do but you have way up if this is ok for you?
Originally Posted by jonmorris:
“Probably very infrequently. As I said, I think the reason for these huge increases are so they have a uniform pricing structure for the UK and within the EU.
When a bundle will only apply to the UK, those new fees you don't notice today will be what you're paying elsewhere.
Sneaky, but also pretty clever. It will satisfy the EC that you're not paying more abroad, even though you'll probably only ever pay such ridiculous rates when you're abroad.”
“Probably very infrequently. As I said, I think the reason for these huge increases are so they have a uniform pricing structure for the UK and within the EU.
When a bundle will only apply to the UK, those new fees you don't notice today will be what you're paying elsewhere.
Sneaky, but also pretty clever. It will satisfy the EC that you're not paying more abroad, even though you'll probably only ever pay such ridiculous rates when you're abroad.”
That is an interesting theory.
Is that being reported anywhere?
Originally Posted by jonmorris:
“Probably very infrequently. As I said, I think the reason for these huge increases are so they have a uniform pricing structure for the UK and within the EU.
When a bundle will only apply to the UK, those new fees you don't notice today will be what you're paying elsewhere.
Sneaky, but also pretty clever. It will satisfy the EC that you're not paying more abroad, even though you'll probably only ever pay such ridiculous rates when you're abroad.”
“Probably very infrequently. As I said, I think the reason for these huge increases are so they have a uniform pricing structure for the UK and within the EU.
When a bundle will only apply to the UK, those new fees you don't notice today will be what you're paying elsewhere.
Sneaky, but also pretty clever. It will satisfy the EC that you're not paying more abroad, even though you'll probably only ever pay such ridiculous rates when you're abroad.”
So the rate of EU roaming has been dropping each year as mandated by the EU. From June the rate of 19 euro cents will be applicable (the final lowest tariff before abolishment).
Next year when the EU say roaming fees must totally end you're saying that Vodafone are likely to just put the price back up to the UK out of bundle rate and in essence, back to 2010 rates set by the EU?
That's an outrage, as it flies in the face of what the EU have been trying to do, which is end gross overcharging of certain call types.
Perhaps they'll keep to the capped rate, but that still allows for a pretty high data rate.
Also, I'm stating my own theory and thinking of the best way to keep making money from people roaming. If I'm wrong, how else will they do it?
I guess it will all come down to interpreting the rules (such as no more maximum cost when roaming but must be equal to at home) and how brave the networks are. And I am sure some will try things that may be illegal and we'll hear them tested on court as required.
Let's wait and see but I doubt any operator is going to accept losing easy money - even if it was reduced every year.
Also, I'm stating my own theory and thinking of the best way to keep making money from people roaming. If I'm wrong, how else will they do it?
I guess it will all come down to interpreting the rules (such as no more maximum cost when roaming but must be equal to at home) and how brave the networks are. And I am sure some will try things that may be illegal and we'll hear them tested on court as required.
Let's wait and see but I doubt any operator is going to accept losing easy money - even if it was reduced every year.
Originally Posted by Thine Wonk:
“So the rate of EU roaming has been dropping each year as mandated by the EU. From June the rate of 19 euro cents will be applicable (the final lowest tariff before abolishment).
Next year when the EU say roaming fees must totally end you're saying that Vodafone are likely to just put the price back up to the UK out of bundle rate and in essence, back to 2010 rates set by the EU?
That's an outrage, as it flies in the face of what the EU have been trying to do, which is end gross overcharging of certain call types.”
“So the rate of EU roaming has been dropping each year as mandated by the EU. From June the rate of 19 euro cents will be applicable (the final lowest tariff before abolishment).
Next year when the EU say roaming fees must totally end you're saying that Vodafone are likely to just put the price back up to the UK out of bundle rate and in essence, back to 2010 rates set by the EU?
That's an outrage, as it flies in the face of what the EU have been trying to do, which is end gross overcharging of certain call types.”
It's an interesting theory isn't it.
seems like it might just be legal.
I wonder what the EC will mandate? If it's that a network can't charge any more for usage in another EU member state than at home, will that still have a maximum rate for calls/texts/data, or will it be considered that competition will keep rates down naturally?
I suspect that the tight pricing controls currently levied might be lifted to a degree, and it's then easy for operators to find ways to get around the 'spirit of the law' so to speak. The networks all have form for this, which is no doubt the same around the whole of the EU.
And perhaps too much attention has been on normal call charges and data, and so that's given the scope for calls to other numbers to sky rocket without people really noticing or making a big fuss (has the media made a big deal of these rises, for example?).
I also continue to believe that we'll see the inclusive data allowances working for the UK only, so that if you go abroad, you'll pay per megabyte. Even if that rate is within the current EU cap (or is lowered further) it's still going to be a lot higher than UK rates. [And let's also remember that outside of the UK it's going to get very messy indeed].
Either that or operators will have different types of bundle. You'll start with your normal UK & EU tariff, with high priced calls, texts, data, calls to special numbers, and then be offered a discounted UK bundle of calls/texts/data etc or one that works within the EU, at a higher cost.
Does that get around the rule about no extra costs for roaming? I bet it does/will, or at least until the EC has to then act again - which might take another few years.
Sometimes it's just about buying time. The operators will know full well that it won't last forever, but make the most of it while they can. If the EC is anythng like Ofcom here, it will be rather toothless and slow to act and the operators will always be one step ahead.
I suspect that the tight pricing controls currently levied might be lifted to a degree, and it's then easy for operators to find ways to get around the 'spirit of the law' so to speak. The networks all have form for this, which is no doubt the same around the whole of the EU.
And perhaps too much attention has been on normal call charges and data, and so that's given the scope for calls to other numbers to sky rocket without people really noticing or making a big fuss (has the media made a big deal of these rises, for example?).
I also continue to believe that we'll see the inclusive data allowances working for the UK only, so that if you go abroad, you'll pay per megabyte. Even if that rate is within the current EU cap (or is lowered further) it's still going to be a lot higher than UK rates. [And let's also remember that outside of the UK it's going to get very messy indeed].
Either that or operators will have different types of bundle. You'll start with your normal UK & EU tariff, with high priced calls, texts, data, calls to special numbers, and then be offered a discounted UK bundle of calls/texts/data etc or one that works within the EU, at a higher cost.
Does that get around the rule about no extra costs for roaming? I bet it does/will, or at least until the EC has to then act again - which might take another few years.
Sometimes it's just about buying time. The operators will know full well that it won't last forever, but make the most of it while they can. If the EC is anythng like Ofcom here, it will be rather toothless and slow to act and the operators will always be one step ahead.
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