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OFCA reminds consumers to beware of unexpected mobile data roaming charges while travelling abroad
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     The Office of the Communications Authority (OFCA) today (December 17) reminded consumers to be cautious about the use of mobile data roaming services while travelling abroad during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays so as to avoid incurring unexpectedly high mobile data roaming charges, i.e. mobile bill shock.

     "More and more consumers 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 Internet applications, consumers should be reminded that charges for mobile data roaming services are much higher than those for local mobile data services. In addition, the downloading of large files, access to mobile online games or automatic (background) update of applications may also consume unexpectedly a large volume of mobile data and result in a hefty bill," a spokesman for the OFCA said.

     For peace of mind while travelling outside Hong Kong, the OFCA advises consumers to consider adopting the following measures to avoid mobile bill shock:

     If mobile data roaming service is not required while travelling outside Hong Kong, consumers may:

* switch off both the mobile data service and data roaming service functions on their mobile devices before leaving Hong Kong;
* request their operators to temporarily deactivate the mobile data services before departure (some operators also allow deactivation of mobile data roaming services while keeping voice roaming intact); and
* use another handset without mobile data function outside Hong Kong.

     If mobile data roaming service is required while travelling outside Hong Kong, consumers may:

* check with their operators on the availability of mobile data roaming services and roaming partners available for their choice in the destination as well as the details of the service plans before departure;
* switch off the automatic (background) update functions of their mobile devices, such as the function for updating emails, applications (apps) and firmware, etc;
* consider purchasing a local pre-paid SIM card at the destination;
* consider choosing a data roaming day pass with a charge ceiling or flat rate;
* when choosing a daily rated data roaming plan, be mindful of its starting and ending time and whether the charges apply for each destination and/or the plan is only applicable to a designated network; and
* check frequently to ensure that their mobile devices are not switched to mobile data services while they are using Wi-Fi system for accessing the Internet.

     "In some circumstances, such as upon arrival at 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 which 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 exorbitant data roaming charges," the spokesman said.

     Additional consumer alerts on the smart use of mobile data roaming services and data roaming day passes can be accessed via the following links:

* www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/alerts/mds/unexpected/index.html

* www.ofca.gov.hk/en/consumer_focus/education_corner/guide/advice_roaming/smart_use/index.html.

Ends/Thursday, December 17, 2015
Issued at HKT 15:02

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