// Pocket Picks //

UK telecoms watchdog Ofcom has posted clear instructions of how the new European roaming charges work. Here’s what it had to say:

From September, a call anywhere in Europe under the Eurotariff will cost no more than 49c (38p inc. VAT) per minute to make and 24c (19p inc. VAT) per minute to receive. This means an average reduction in retail prices of more than 50% for most users.

• By the end of July, the operators must contact all of their customers to inform them of their tariff options and explain when the new Eurotariff will be made available;
• By the end of August they should introduce the new tariff, both for new and existing customers;
• By the end of September, they should transfer all customers to the Eurotariff automatically, except for those customers who have explicitly chosen another tariff; and
• From the end of September, operators must send an automatic SMS message whenever a customer crosses a border clearly explaining how much it will cost to make and receive a call in that country.

Some providers may be able to offer the new Eurotariff during the peak holiday season and before the mandatory introduction at the end of August. This should be made clear when the provider contacts their customers during July. If not, consumers should ask their operator when it will be made available.

Many consumers have already signed up to roaming tariffs that reward greater use with lower prices. These users will not be transferred to the new Eurotariff unless they specifically request it. In some cases, other tariffs offer even greater savings than the new Eurotariff. All consumers, whether they have already signed up for other tariffs or not, should consider carefully which tariff option best fits their needs. Providers should supply clear information which makes this choice easier.