Overseas phone bill reductions 'encouraging'

Monday April 27th , 2009

Reductions in mobile phone rates will come as good news to tourists and foreign property owners, Ofcom reveals.

The European Parliament recently voted in favour of a cut to text messaging and data roaming charges for British holidaymakers abroad.

From July 1st this year, text messages sent from EU countries will now cost no more than 10p (0.11 euros), rather than the current rate of 25p (0.28 euros).

A spokesperson for the telecommunications watchdog Ofcom says the move will be welcomed by British travellers.

She added that Ofcom can offer consumers advice to ensure they "get the most out of their mobile phone and internet use on the move when they go abroad".

The new European legislation will also make mobile phone operators charge roaming calls by the second rather than the minute.

It is hoped this will reduce overcharging by around 24 per cent.