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Those who are planning to travel abroad and carry their mobile connections with them would do well to have a look at the video released by Ofcom, which offers advice to consumers on how to avoid huge bills while using the mobile services abroad.

Interestingly, the video, which is titled ‘How to avoid the holiday mobile blues’ looks as if it has been made by a film student in his first year with the aid of his friend, and what you see are a number of corny costume changes associated with holidays.

The video, and the supplementary advice leaflet that Ofcom has designed, give advice to consumers on how to avoid running up a colossal mobile bill. The recommendations given are basic common sense stuff, which include inquiring whether you can use your mobile or laptop abroad, what is and what is not incorporated in the service you are currently using, and most importantly, what the data charges in the foreign country are (click for info and advice on pay as you go mobile broadband)

Ofcom agrees that this seemed to be an obvious matter, but the number of people who end up with a huge bill on their hands at the end of their trips indicates the need for more consumer alertness. The problem has become quite common since mobile has become a part and parcel of life for a majority of the population, and the habits are difficult to shed while travelling

Come this summer, the EU’s decision to restrict roaming charges, at least in its member states, will come into effect, and this should offer some respite to the consumers who plan to travel abroad.