According to Ofcom Northern Ireland tops the UK mobile chart; Rural areas overtaking urban areas in take-up of many services; and Consumers in Northern Ireland shopping around for good deals.
Considerations to be made when choosing a mobile phone service provider include:
- Reception - signals may be stronger in some areas and weaker in others
- Tariffs - charges can vary considerably
- Payment options i.e. Pay as you go -v- Contract agreement
For guidance please visit the Ofcom website - www.ofcom.org.uk
(Ofcom is the regulator for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services.)
The website contains impartial information including:
- Advice on using mobile services abroad
- Review of Additional Services
- Mobile phones and health concerns
- Choosing a mobile phone service
- Switching mobile phone supplier
- Mobile phone security issues
- Mobile mis-selling
Crossborder Roaming
The Department of Enterprise, Trade & Investment in Northern Ireland and The Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources in Ireland have worked together to remove contentious roaming charges between north and south as well as between Ireland and the UK.
Inadvertent roaming occurs when a mobile phone user unknowingly connects to a base station in Northern Ireland while in the Republic of Ireland, and vice versa. Usually where there is either a poor signal or no coverage from the “home” network. If the phone is in automatic network selection mode, then it will seek another signal. If the signal strength from a network operator across the border is sufficient, the device will roam onto that network to make and receive calls.
When setting up a mobile phone account it is best to shop around, especially if you intend to make calls across jursdictions, cross the border or travel in the border region. Many people attempt to keep costs down by using two SIM cards, a northern one and a southern one.
In June 2007 the EU reached an agreement on a Regulation that places a price limit called the Eurotariff on the price of using your mobile while travelling within the EU. It is advisable to contact your service provider in advance of travelling to see what charges will apply if you use your phone in across the border.
See also:
- Citizens Advice - www.adviceguide.org.uk
- Consumer Council Northern Ireland - www.consumercouncil.org.uk
- 02 - www.02.co.uk
- T-mobile - www.t-mobile.co.uk
- Orange - www.orange.co.uk
- Vodaphone - www.vodaphone.co.uk
- 3- www.three.co.uk
About this information record ... |
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| Comments: | 0 Add Your Comment |
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| Permalink: | Mobile phones in Northern Ireland |
| Themes: | Live, Commute |
| Categories: | Telecommunications |
| Life Events: | Commuting |
| Target Groups: | All, Frontier workers |
| Last updated: | 21 June 2010 |
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