ITWire

However the only action immediately proposed, by the Australian Government only, is to put in place a mechanism that will tell roamers exactly what these excessive charges are.

Releasing the draft report, communications minister, Senator Stephen Conroy, said: "One of the most common complaints that I hear is from people who return from overseas and are confronted by a mobile phone bill that runs into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. They are angry about the excessive charges and they are angry about not knowing how much they are being charged in the first place."

"I am, therefore, directing the Australian Communications and Media Authority to put in place an industry standard for mobile roaming so that consumers know exactly how much they will be charged when they make a phone call, send a text message, or surf the internet, wherever they may be overseas. It is expected that the standard will be in place within twelve months."

Little though this is, it is more than his New Zealand counterpart, Amy Adams, has promised, which is absolutely nothing. However she has claimed credit for recent reductions in roaming charges.

She said: "New Zealanders have started to enjoy lower roaming prices recently, and there is no doubt that the pressure created by our joint investigation has been a key factor in this reduction."

She added: "It is my expectation that New Zealanders at home and across the Tasman should be able to expect fair and equitable pricing and a clear understanding of the costs," but gave no indication as to when, or how, this wish might be fulfilled.

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