Cost control for data roaming from March 1st: Mobile operators required to inform subscribers actively

Press release dated 26 February 2010

Starting on March 1, 2010, all customers who can use data roaming services will be able have their mobile operators activate a control function for those services. "Again and again, we have received complaints about extremely high telephone bills from subscribers who use data roaming services. This function – which mobile operators are now required to offer their customers under the EU Roaming Regulation – is designed to protect consumers from unwanted and unexpectedly high costs for those services," comments Georg Serentschy, Managing Director of RTR's Telecommunications Division. The requirements of the EU Roaming Regulation apply to all member states of the European Union.

Customers to receive warning when a certain maximum level is reached

Subscribers can choose a maximum amount among those defined by the mobile operator for a certain period of use (e.g., for each billing period). This amount is either expressed as a sum of money or a total volume of data. Once the limit has been reached, a message is sent to the subscriber . At the same time, the subscriber is given information on how s/he can continue to use data roaming services and on the costs of those services. If the customer does not respond to the message immediately, the operator is required to discontinue the provision of and billing for data roaming services.

"The number of choices offered to subscribers is ultimately left up to the mobile operators. The only requirement is that one of the maximum amounts offered should be no more than EUR 60.00 including VAT for a monthly billing period," Serentschy notes. From July 1, 2010 onward, the maximum value of EUR 60.00 will automatically apply to any customers who have not yet selected a different maximum amount. For detailed information, please visit http://www.rtr.at/de/tk/Roaming_in_der_EU.

New RTR service: Short videos in the consumer's interest

RTR has now launched an innovative information service for consumers by publishing short videos of interest to the public on the RTR web site. "Many people prefer to take in new information by listening. Therefore, we have made an effort to provide compact and understandable answers to frequently asked questions in the form of short videos. This new communication tool is also in line with the latest trends," comments Serentschy on the new service. "Our first videos, which were put online today, focus on telephone and Internet service bills, and more videos are on the way."

The short videos can be found on the RTR web site at http://www.rtr.at/de/tk/Videos.