Press Releases

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