Mobile Phone ?Costa-Lot? Shock Revealed In Rip-Off Survey



Holiday Makers Pay ?800 Million Over The Odds To Roam This Summer

London, UK-/June 20, 2006 - Wi-Fi Technology News/-16 million UK holiday makers using their mobile phones abroad this summer are overpaying by an astonishing ?800 million ? six times higher than necessary ? claims a new survey issued today, by MaxSIM.

Of those people who used their phone overseas, a third admitted to not knowing what they pay for calls or texts made when abroad, with 73% stating that they changed their communication habits, sending texts instead of making calls to help manage prohibitive overseas call charges, claimed the survey by MaxSIM.co.uk.


The survey revealed that 83% of overseas mobile users make up to 10 calls per day, with 67% receiving up to 10 calls per day. The average number of calls made and received per day is four, with this number rising to seven for those aged 18-24.

Based on an average user going out to Germany for a 7 day holiday, making two two-minute calls each day and receiving two two-minute calls per day, they will typically run up a bill of ?42 on a prepaid Vodafone1 tariff, a staggering ?55.44 with O22, but just ?7.88 if they had used MaxSIM, a saving of 85% compared to O2.

Based on the results of the survey, roaming SIM provider MaxSIM have calculated that an expected 16.1 million people are set to use their phone abroad this year and, based on average calls made and received over a one week period on a pre-paid tariff for Germany, the nation?s international phone bill could be as high as ?1 billion with O22, compared to ?134 million with MaxSIM ? a saving of more than ?800 million.

MaxSIM is a prepaid mobile phone service that enables users to make calls abroad with their existing handset without incurring expensive charges. Users simply purchase a MaxSIM SIM card, compatible with many handsets, load the credit needed and they can then make cheap mobile phone calls in over 115 countries worldwide and receive calls free in more than 65 countries including the UK.

?The European commission announced that it intended to introduce legislation to stop ?rip-off? charges for calls made and received when abroad but sadly for consumers legislation takes time before action takes place. Operators have responded with a flurry of activity but they?re simply unwilling to match the rates that MaxSIM offers, which are up to 85% cheaper than the main mobile operators.?

?Many people forget the need to shop around for a cheaper alternative when they make calls abroad. The savings that can be made against some networks, based on average calls made abroad over two weeks, can currently buy a one-week holiday in Turkey with change left over. People need to start becoming more SIM card canny when they take their mobile overseas so they don?t find a nasty bill waiting for them when they arrive home.?

MaxSIM enables travellers to benefit from massive cost savings without compromising on reliability and quality or subject to hidden costs. Users are allocated a UK number and features of the SIM include voicemail, call recording, conference calling and call forwarding. MaxSIM can also be used in the UK, offering competitive text and call charges compared with other prepaid tariffs.

To find out more information or to order a MaxSIM SIM visit http://www.maxsim.co.uk or
call 0845 45 65 001.


ICM Research interviewed a random sample of 1009 adults aged 18+ by telephone between 2-4 June 2006. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results have been weighted to the profile of all adults. ICM is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules. Further information at http://www.icmresearch.co.uk


MaxSIM is a web enabled International SIM card that offers a wide range of services to enable consumers and business travellers to use their mobile phones at home or abroad at prices they can afford. Based in Hertfordshire, MaxSIM is a part of Moorecom Ltd. Visit http://www.maxsim.co.uk for further information.

Moorecom Ltd is a privately owned company formed in May 2004. Led by directors with a wealth of experience in the telecoms industry, sales, customer service and account management, the aim of the company is to offer a responsive, flexible and cost effective range of services and products to the market. Visit http://www.moorecom.co.uk for further information.