Low roaming charges must not be excuse for local call price hikes

4.17.11pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 23rd May 2007

Alliance youth affairs spokesperson Ian James Parsley

Alliance youth affairs spokesperson Ian James Parsley has welcomed the fall in roaming charges for mobile phone users in different EU members states, but cautioned the fall must not mean rises in domestic prices.

The North Down Councillor stated: "This move will be particularly welcomed by people who have been caught out by high charges for using their mobile phone in the Republic. As such, it is long overdue.

"However, we will have to watch that mobile phone companies do not use this as an excuse for hiking domestic rates. There was no need for such high 'roaming' charges before, and there will be no need for higher charges anywhere from August, when these changes are brought in.

"Clearly mobile phone operators have to develop their networks in various member states, and slightly higher charges when people cross borders are to be expected. But customers must receive value for money, and home and abroad."

ENDS