DOHA: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has advised customers to plan use of roaming ahead of travelling to benefit from the recent reduction in roaming charges within the GCC states.
CRA has issued guidelines to help customers manage their charges more efficiently. The advisory came after CRA noticed an increase in inquiries and complaints about issues related to the use of data roaming services, it said yesterday.
The new regulation, which came into force on April 1 this year, offered reduced roaming rates for voice calls, outgoing SMS and data services to those travelling within the GCC states.
The reduced roaming rates are reflected in packages offered by the two service providers in Qatar. However, all consumers of communications services should stay informed of the CRA guidelines, said a statement.
Ooredoo and Vodafone offer special packages and products related to use of roaming services outside Qatar. Customers have been advised to check with their service provider about such products and packages and understand related terms and conditions.
“Carefully select the most appropriate plan according to your requirements. Be aware of your roaming package and continually monitor your balance to avoid roaming bill shocks. Your service provider is obliged to provide you notifications before your package ends or is consumed. Take advantage of such alerts and manage your roaming costs responsibly,” said CRA.
It is ideal to understand all processes related to activation before travel to avoid any additional charges. Ensure to call the service provider beforehand or visit their website for information.
“Note down any contact number or customer service number you need to activate your package. Where possible, activate the package before you travel so that you don’t incur any unnecessary roaming charges at your destination,” said the statement.
CRA said most complaints it received are a result of the use of wrong network in the destination country. “Please be aware of the correct networks your service provider has partnered with in your visiting country. Ideally, turn your network selection to manual mode in settings of your mobile device to ensure that the strong non-partnering network doesn’t get selected automatically.”
Turn off data roaming when travelling to avoid charges when accessing apps, web, email or using iMessages, MMS and other data services. Switching off data roaming should not affect making voice calls or sending SMS.
“Several airlines offer online connectivity and Wi-Fi networks. If you plan to use them, ensure you understand the terms and conditions and any associated price beforehand. If you are not planning to use roaming data while travelling, switch off data roaming on your device. If you are not sure how to turn off roaming services, contact your service provider for assistance.
If a customer wants to stay connected without using international data roaming, he could use free Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, public areas or restaurants abroad, after switching off data roaming. He may also use local pre-paid SIM cards at his destination. “If using these alternatives, please ensure you are aware of related terms and conditions and keep your personal data safe,” said CRA.
The Peninsula
DOHA: The Communications Regulatory Authority (CRA) has advised customers to plan use of roaming ahead of travelling to benefit from the recent reduction in roaming charges within the GCC states.
CRA has issued guidelines to help customers manage their charges more efficiently. The advisory came after CRA noticed an increase in inquiries and complaints about issues related to the use of data roaming services, it said yesterday.
The new regulation, which came into force on April 1 this year, offered reduced roaming rates for voice calls, outgoing SMS and data services to those travelling within the GCC states.
The reduced roaming rates are reflected in packages offered by the two service providers in Qatar. However, all consumers of communications services should stay informed of the CRA guidelines, said a statement.
Ooredoo and Vodafone offer special packages and products related to use of roaming services outside Qatar. Customers have been advised to check with their service provider about such products and packages and understand related terms and conditions.
“Carefully select the most appropriate plan according to your requirements. Be aware of your roaming package and continually monitor your balance to avoid roaming bill shocks. Your service provider is obliged to provide you notifications before your package ends or is consumed. Take advantage of such alerts and manage your roaming costs responsibly,” said CRA.
It is ideal to understand all processes related to activation before travel to avoid any additional charges. Ensure to call the service provider beforehand or visit their website for information.
“Note down any contact number or customer service number you need to activate your package. Where possible, activate the package before you travel so that you don’t incur any unnecessary roaming charges at your destination,” said the statement.
CRA said most complaints it received are a result of the use of wrong network in the destination country. “Please be aware of the correct networks your service provider has partnered with in your visiting country. Ideally, turn your network selection to manual mode in settings of your mobile device to ensure that the strong non-partnering network doesn’t get selected automatically.”
Turn off data roaming when travelling to avoid charges when accessing apps, web, email or using iMessages, MMS and other data services. Switching off data roaming should not affect making voice calls or sending SMS.
“Several airlines offer online connectivity and Wi-Fi networks. If you plan to use them, ensure you understand the terms and conditions and any associated price beforehand. If you are not planning to use roaming data while travelling, switch off data roaming on your device. If you are not sure how to turn off roaming services, contact your service provider for assistance.
If a customer wants to stay connected without using international data roaming, he could use free Wi-Fi networks available in hotels, public areas or restaurants abroad, after switching off data roaming. He may also use local pre-paid SIM cards at his destination. “If using these alternatives, please ensure you are aware of related terms and conditions and keep your personal data safe,” said CRA.
The Peninsula
