PRESS RELEASES

Friday, 21st October 2005

Mobile Industry Must End Rip-Off Charges

People making calls abroad face massive variations in charges, including consumers being charged for making and receiving calls abroad and being charged international rates for local calls whilst abroad, according to a study by Liberal Democrat Shadow Trade & Industry Secretary, Norman Lamb. Mr Lamb has called for a full investigation in to the findings, and action by regulators and the mobile phone industry to tackle the problem.

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting, Stephanie Dearden said:-

Mobile users are increasingly taking their phones on holiday abroad, and it's time international charges reflected the real cost of phoning home. Outrageously current charges mean both the caller and the recipient pay for calls made to UK mobiles abroad. International charges vary dramatically between operators, but this has resulted in a consumer lottery rather than effective competition.

ENDS

  Stephanie Dearden

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting

Notes to editors 

1. More: http://www.libdems.org.uk/news/story.html?id=9128&navPage=news.html
2. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
3. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm