Calling all mobile phone roaming users to take note: a few simple sensible steps can save you money and unnecessary hassle.
In this March issue of CHOICE was highlighted the case of a consumer allegedly being charged unexpectedly for mobile roaming fees.
The consumer had subscribed to a home rate roaming plan which enables her to enjoy the preferential rate while roaming through specified mobile networks overseas. But ultimately she was subject to a higher charge arising from roaming via other mobile networks.
The operator explained that many roaming calls had not been made with the specified mobile network though the consumer insisted that she had complied with the condition of the roaming plan.
It transpired that the problem was due to "network switching"（跳網）. It occurs overseas as mobile handsets will automatically search and connect to another network which delivers the strongest signal when the signal of the specified network is too weak for a stable connection.
So if the user did not notice the switch, from the specified network to another network with stronger signal, the call made will be charged at the standard roaming tariff.
Consumers should, therefore, always check to confirm whether the handset is connected to the specified network before making a call, particularly if they have moved from one location to another or newly switched on the handset.
Choosing a location where the preferred network has a stable and strong signal will also help.
More simple tips to save money when making roaming calls abroad:
- In order to make overseas calls with lower charges (which usually requires the user to key in a set of special access code before the destination number), avoid using the re-dial or quick dialing function of your handset, which usually draws number from the "call history record" or "display of incoming calls", and these numbers may not contain the special access code.
- Key in the special access code every time they make a call, or store it with the related telephone numbers in the "phonebook" of the handset, and make the call by extracting the number from the "phonebook".
- Remember to lock the keypad of the handset every time after use. This will avoid unintentional calls or data connections being made, and thus incurring unexpected charges, especially if the handset is installed with hotkey/shortcut to access the internet.
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