EUROPEAN MOBILE OPERATORS HELP CONSUMERS MAKE SENSE OF ROAMING
GSM Europe Code of Conduct responds to consumer demand for clarity
30th
October 2002 - GSM Europe, the European Interest
Group of the GSM Association, today announced the results
of an
independent report, highlighting that consumers in Europe
now have far more information and transparency of choice available
to them when they use their phone abroad.
The report, published by Ovum, examines the adoption and progress
of GSM Europe's 'Code of Conduct for Information on International
Retail Roaming Prices'. The voluntary Code of Conduct was
introduced on 1st October 2001 and aims to provide greater
consistency and clarity on information on roaming services
available to consumers.
"The results of the report demonstrate that an increasing
number of European mobile operators have adopted and implemented
the Code to enable consumers to make better-informed decisions
on using their phone abroad," said Kaisu Karvala, Chair
GSM Europe.
Between December 2001 and October 2002, 45 European operators
were closely monitored to find out if they had adopted and
implemented the measures contained in the Code of Conduct.
Amongst other requests, operators were asked to demonstrate
the type of information and channels through which they communicate
the different international roaming prices to their customers.
"GSM Europe has been working to ensure that its Code
of Conduct simplifies and improves the information available
to consumers about international roaming. As we migrate to
2.5G and 3G, the Code is the first of many steps to ensure
a greater transparency and understanding of roaming prices
for consumers in Europe," said Karvala.
he report shows that European operators have evolved and now
provide far more extensive information to their customers,
not only via their customer care centres and websites but
also increasingly via other means such as email, SMS and WAP
services, fax on demand or printed material, etc. Today customers
obtain clear information on the tariff of calls abroad, how
calls or text messages are charged for when they travel and
how to set up their mobile phone for roaming.
"Mobile operators are acutely aware that good customer-service
is key to retaining and attracting customers. Consumers expect
to be informed about value for money options and how they
can make the most of their phone when they travel abroad,"
added Karvala.
Download
the "GSM Europe Code of Conduct for Information on International
Roaming Retail Prices" Report. more
>
Notes
for Editors:
About GSM Europe
GSM Europe is the European interest group of the GSM Association,
the premier global body behind the world's leading wireless
communications standard. GSM Europe represents around 123 operators
in 50 countries/areas in Europe and counts around 360 million
subscribers. The GSM Association is responsible for the development,
deployment and evolution of the GSM standard for digital wireless
communications and for the promotion of the GSM platform.
About the GSM Association
The GSM Association (GSMA) is the world's leading wireless industry
representative body. It consists of more than 680 second and
third generation wireless network operators working collaboratively
to define, prioritise and communicate requirements, as well
as key manufacturers and suppliers to the wireless industry.
The Association's members provide digital wireless services
to more than 747 million customers (end September 2002).
The GSM family of wireless communications platforms account
for approximately 71 percent of the total digital wireless market
today. The GSM Association is a unique organization, with truly
global reach, offering a full range of business and technical
services to its members.
GSM is a registered trademark, registered and owned by the GSM
Association.
For more information, please contact:
Mark Smith
Director of Communications
Tel: +44 207 518 0549
Fax: +44 207 518 0531
E-Mail: msmith@gsm.org
Liz Macfarlan
Communications Dept
Tel: +44 207 518 0533
Fax: +44 207 518 0531
E-Mail: lmacfarlan@gsm.org
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