The Malta Communications Authority has just published a concise guide for users of mobile phones and other portable devices who want to roam in European Union member states.
This is a summary of the guide.
What is mobile roaming?
Mobile roaming is a service, offered by mobile operators, that allows you to use your mobile phone abroad. You should be aware that roaming charges apply only when you make and/or receive calls, send SMSs or use data services while you are abroad. The charges that apply to roaming calls are different from those that apply when making international calls while in Malta.
What charges do I incur when I use my mobile phone abroad?
The charges you incur while using your mobile phone abroad may vary, depending on whether you are a pre-paid or a post-paid subscriber; the tariff plan you are on; the time of day you make calls; and the operator network on which you are roaming while travelling abroad.
Check the tariffs offered by your operator when you use different foreign mobile operators in the country you are planning to visit, so that you may select the operator that best fits your need. The tariffs that you should check include: Call making (outgoing calls): Calling someone in Malta (to fixed and mobile numbers); calling someone in the country you are travelling to (to fixed and mobile numbers); sending SMSs; using data services such as checking e-mails or surfing the internet. b. Call receiving (incoming calls): While travelling abroad, unlike at home, you are charged for receiving calls. Therefore you should check the cost of receiving calls in the country you are visiting before you travel.
Will the EU regulate mobile roaming tariffs?
Yes, the European Union has, since 2007 been regulating roaming mobile voice calls, by means of the first Roaming Regulation. This regulation will enable you to benefit from the 'Euro-SMS tariff' which has been set to €0.11. The existing 'Eurotariff', which sets a maximum per minute price limit that mobile operators can charge for calls made and received, will be further reduced till 2011. The Eurotariff for calls made abroad in 2009 is € 0.43, while for calls received while abroad this year is € 0.19. These tariffs are per minute and exclude VAT. Mobile operators will now be able to charge you a flat rate for the first 30 seconds of each call. However, they will be obliged to charge you on a per second basis following the first 30 seconds. One should note that mobile operators used to charge subscribers on a per minute basis. You will be able to switch to the 'Eurotariff' and/or Euro-SMS tariff or any other preferred tariff, at any time, free of charge.
Will the set charges apply only within the EU, or also elsewhere?
The regulation lays down rules on mobile services provided within the European Union. Therefore, the maximum charges mentioned here will apply only to roaming mobile usage within the 27 member states.
How will I know which charges apply when I make and receive calls while abroad?
The regulation lays down rules aimed at increasing price transparency and improving the provision of information on charges to users of community-wide roaming services.
Your service provider will, by means of a messaging service, inform you automatically whenever you enter another member state, with personalised information on the roaming charges (including VAT) that apply to the making and receipt of calls, sending of SMSs and data services according to your subscribed tariff plan. This service is free of charge. You will also have the right to request, free of charge, wherever you are in the EU, additional pricing information on the roaming charges of voice calls, SMS, MMS and other data communication services by means of a mobile voice call or by SMS. You can also check the tariffs you will incur while visiting another country by calling your mobile operator or by visiting its international roaming web page. In Malta, all operators offer international roaming services to their subscribers.
The complete frequently asked questions list is available at www.mca.org.mt.