Ofcom today set out ten tips for keeping down the cost of using mobile phones and downloading data whilst travelling abroad as the summer holiday season starts.

With take-up of internet use on the move surging, travellers using devices such as the increasingly-popular wireless broadband “dongle” could be in for a costly shock due to the expense of downloading when overseas.

In January 2008, Ofcom urged industry to take the initiative to reduce the cost of sending texts and downloading data whilst abroad, warning that if this did not happen further regulatory action at a European level may be needed. A number of operators have since reduced their charges. However, Ofcom encourages mobile operators to continue to address this issue in the consumer’s interest.

This advice is designed to help consumers make the most of the various mobile phone packages and offers available and keep bills down as they travel abroad.

Download the attached Ofcom Consumer Advice Leaflet for further information.