Mobile phone networks are under fire from Consumer Focus over roaming charges abroad with a focus on people travelling to South Africa to enjoy the World Cup.
The consumer watchdog has compared the different charges for people using their phones in South Africa.
It says customers could face particularly nasty bills if they use mobile internet abroad with prices ranging from £1.25 to £8 per MB.
Mobile Magazine reports that the watchdog claims a customer who uploads 10 photos to Facebook could be charged £80.
The research also found that the networks charging the most for making calls from South Africa are Virgin, T-Mobile and Orange. The highest data charges come from Orange and Tesco, followed by T-Mobile.
Consumer Focus telecommunications expert, Nick Hutton, said: “England fans need to be on the ball to make sure they don’t get caught out by hundreds of pounds of hidden mobile phone costs at the World Cup.”
Customers are advised to check their network rates and look out for bundles and special offers to help them save money.
Three and Vodafone were said to have the best value services. Vodafone is offering a ‘Passport’ scheme which will charge customers UK rates for calls, plus a 75p connection charge and 11p per text. Three are selling mobile internet dongles for £1.25 per MB, more than halving costs for people who take advantage of it.
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