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The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (December 15) reminded consumers to be cautious about the use of mobile data services while they are roaming outside Hong Kong during the upcoming festive season.
"With the increasing popularity of 3G/4G mobile devices and services in recent years, consumers may use mobile data roaming services when travelling abroad. Irrespective of the types of mobile devices (such as smartphones, tablets, handheld computers or USB dongles) they use for web browsing or usage of software applications, consumers should be reminded that charges for mobile data roaming services are much higher than those for local mobile data services. Rapid downloading of large files may also cause an unexpectedly large volume of data consumption and result in a hefty bill or 'mobile bill shock'," a spokesman for OFCA said.
For consumers' peace of mind and to avoid incurring unexpectedly high mobile data charges while travelling outside Hong Kong, OFCA advises consumers to consider adopting the following measures to prevent "bill shock":
* switch off the mobile data service function on their mobile devices whenever they do not need to use the service;
* double-check that the mobile data service function on their mobile devices is in the switched-off mode whenever they restart the devices;
* switch off the automatic (background) update functions of their mobile devices, such as the functions for updating email, applications and firmware;
* check data usage regularly through the function on the mobile devices;
* check frequently that their mobile devices have not been switched to mobile data services while they are using a Wi-Fi system for accessing the Internet; and
* use local pre-paid SIM cards at the destination.
If consumers decide not to use mobile data services while roaming overseas, they are reminded to switch off both the mobile data service and roaming data service functions on their mobile devices before leaving Hong Kong. Alternatively, consumers may also request their operators to temporarily deactivate the mobile data services altogether before departure. Some operators also allow deactivation of mobile data roaming services while keeping voice roaming intact.
On the other hand, consumers who intend to use mobile data services frequently while travelling overseas may consider using a data roaming day pass with a charge ceiling or flat rate in certain destinations. Consumers may approach their operators for detailed information. For more tips on smart use of a data roaming day pass, consumers may visit this link: www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/guide/advice_roaming/smart_use/index.html .
"In some circumstances, such as upon entry into their destinations, consumers may receive notifications generated by individual mobile applications or greeting and promotional messages from the destination roaming operator or the home network operator. Some of these messages may provide instructions that guide the consumers to select their suggested services. Consumers should be alert to the fact that once they follow the provided instructions, mobile data connection would be activated, and that may incur for them exorbitant data roaming charges," the spokesman said.
Additional consumer alerts on smart use of mobile data roaming services can be accessed via this link: www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/alerts/mds/unexpected/index.html.
Ends/Sunday, December 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 12:01
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