Background
Consumers need information standards to inform them of roaming costs and options. NZ operators already provide detailed pricing information to roaming customers and have - for example - moved to reduce the complexity of roaming plans by initiatives such as moving to zone based pricing.
Despite these efforts, operators are aware of continuing customer concerns about bill shock related primarily to international data roaming. Further, a recent joint Australia/NZ Government discussion paper (“discussion paper”) concluded that transparency of trans-Tasman prices in New Zealand is inadequate.
While the TCF is not in a position to make pricing recommendations, it is going to prepare consumer information standards that aim to enhance end user’s awareness of roaming options and their ability to make effective choices when it comes to roaming.
The objectives of any consumer information standard would be to ensure consumers are fully informed of the costs of using roaming services, to prevent “bill shock” and to make consumers aware of alternative services that allow them to better manage their overall costs.
Project Scope
The project scope for this working party is to prepare a consumer information standard to inform consumers of the costs of using roaming services, to prevent “bill shock” and to make consumers aware of alternative services that allow them to better manage their overall costs.
Read the full project scope
Working Party Members
The working party members are:
- 2degrees
- Telecom Group
- Vodafone
- Commerce Commission
- Ministry of Economic Development
- TUANZ
- Ministry of Consumer Affairs
Reference Documents
Federal Communications Commission
GSM Association
Links to specific papers/initiatives:
Europe
OECD
Australia
- Review of the Telecommunications Consumer Protections (TCP) Code