Now we’ve reached the month of May, thoughts are beginning to turn towards Summer holidays and balmy trips abroad.

However, when making a trip, how can you be sure that your halcyon days away won’t be interrupted by steep mobile phone charges and billing concerns?

What are the statistics?

According to a recent customer insight report undertaken by O2:

• Mobile internet usage whilst on holiday is growing at more than 100% a year
• 60% of O2 customers who use the mobile internet in the UK also use it whilst abroad
• Facebook, Google and BBC News are the most popular websites to visit whilst on holiday
• France and Spain are the most popular countries for customers calling back to the UK

What are the solutions?

Quite simply, the best way to avoid high charges is to leave your phone at home.

However, regardless of whether your trip is for business or pleasure, on most occasions, this idea isn’t practical. So, here are some basic steps to consider before packing your suitcase:

1. Tell your provider that you’re planning to go abroad

If you use your mobile phone abroad, your device will automatically connect you to an overseas network and therefore, any calls made will be routed by that network provider, often at an elevated cost. This is known as ‘mobile roaming’.

When planning a trip abroad, it is good practice to contact your mobile phone provider in advance. Firstly, ask them to ensure your phone is enabled for international roaming. Then, clarify the tariff and associated rates you can expect to be charged – these vary depending on destination. Many providers offer tailored travel packages and bundles which can be added for a set fee.

2. Don’t be stung by data roaming

Using the internet, sending texts and downloading data via your mobile phone whilst abroad are all classed as examples of ‘data roaming’.

The costs can be excessive, particularly if you choose to stream television programmes or films whilst on holiday.

Be prepared – estimate the usage you expect to use whilst abroad, ensure you fully understand the data roaming charges in place at your destination before using it and exercise caution when you do. If you don’t require these services, your provider will be able to tell you how to turn off 3G and data roaming before you travel.

3. Consider switching your SIM

In some instances, it may be worthwhile to change your SIM card and top it up whilst away. This way, you remain in charge of what you are spending.

If you will be travelling through various countries, it is possible to buy one SIM card which will work across all of them. Alternatively, you could buy one when you arrive at your destination, which will only work on the domestic network.

4. Switch off your voicemail

If it is not imperative to have your Voicemail activated whilst abroad, switch it off.

In the EU, whilst you won’t be charged if someone leaves you a voicemail message, you will incur costs if you choose to listen to it.

Outside of the EU, you could be charged to do both. Wherever you choose to travel, speak to your provider and consider switching it off.

5. Take charge of your mobile phone security

Security is paramount. It makes sense to take a copy of the following details and keep them safe:

• The phone’s serial or IMEI number
• Your mobile phone number
• Any passwords you have for the device
• The number of your mobile phone operator’s customer services (with UK dialling code)

In the event that your device is stolen whilst you are abroad, you will need to contact your UK network operator asking them to block your handset or SIM card.

Whilst this blog post outlines some basic steps regarding the safe use of your mobile phone whilst abroad, it is by no means an exhaustive list. For further information, contact your provider and, if travelling within the EU, visit:

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/roaming/regulation/index_en.htm#new_rules

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/roaming/tariffs/in_ms/index_en.htm

Similar blog posts - Twitterview: Data usage, charges and legislation Mobile roaming charges may fall following EU vote. New EU rules will see roaming charges fall.

Jamie Stokes is Marketing Assistant at Total Ltd – a business to business service provider, delivering genuine solutions across all core telecommunication services, based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Total Ltd is a business that brings together and unifies all the component parts. For up to the minute business telecommunications news, please view the Total Ltd blog

The Galaxy S3, Samsung’s latest smartphone, has been launched.

The device has been hailed as the most intelligent Android handset currently available on the market.

It’s features include:

• 4.8 inch Super Amoled display screen
• Rear-facing 8 MP camera
• Forward-facing 1.9 MP camera for video conferencing
• Face recognition technology
• ‘S Voice’ recognition control

It is hoped that the device will secure Samsung’s elevated position within the Android smartphone market.

Similarly, industry experts have predicted that the smartphone will further accelerate Android’s popularity; Android is currently the most used smartphone operating system.

From May, the S3 will be available across Europe with a 4G model expected to be released in the US and South Korea in the Summer.

Similar blog posts - Samsung unveils ’smart’ internet-connected television. Significant growth reported for Android’s market share.

Jamie Stokes is Marketing Assistant at Total Ltd – a business to business service provider, delivering genuine solutions across all core telecommunication services, based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Total Ltd is a business that brings together and unifies all the component parts. For up to the minute business telecommunications news, please view the Total Ltd blog