By Sean Poulter

Last updated at 12:11 AM on 2nd March 2012


Watchdogs have promised action to crackdown on mobile phone 'bill shock' which has hit 1.4million Britons in just the last six months.

The problem relates to the surprise bills, which can run to thousands of pounds, that are generated when people use their  smartphones on holiday to access the web.

Problems also occur when people are hit with high charges for making calls beyond the limit allowed under normal monthly contracts.

In for a shock? Thousands of phone users receive unexpectedly high bills every year when they use their phones abroad without realising the cost

In for a shock? Thousands of phone users receive unexpectedly high bills every year when they use their phones abroad without realising the cost

Victims of crime can also be hit with large demands for payment when their handsets are stolen or lost.

Research by the Telecoms watchdog, Ofcom, suggests as many as 1.4 million customers may have been affected in just the last six months.

The regulator has announced plans to work with the mobile phone industry on a series of measures to address the main issues and protect consumers.

It wants to encourage companies to set financial caps on mobile phone usage and explore whether they can limit the amount customers are liable to pay if their phone is stolen.

Ofcom is also keen that the mobile networks spell out their tariffs more clearly, so that people properly understand what sort of bill they will get.

The watchdog is also supporting proposals to extend caps on the cost of using mobile phones within the EU to the rest of the world.

The attempt to tackle bill shock was welcomed by Marzena Lipman, digital policy manager at Consumer Focus, who said: 'Massive mobile bills when people return from trips abroad are the last thing they need.

'Ofcom's proposals to tackle this issue are very welcome, particularly moves to extend protections to customers travelling further afield to non-EU countries.

'The next logical stage would be to also protect mobile phone customers in the UK.

'Consumers travelling in Europe are protected from unexpectedly high bills with a 50 euro (42) cut-off limit, consumers in the UK should be entitled to similar levels of protection.

Keeping in touch on your travels via mobile phone can be a very expensive business

Keeping in touch on your travels via mobile phone can be a very expensive business

'While some customers may want a higher data allowance, an opt-out default cut-off limit could help end bill shocks in the UK.'

Which? executive director Richard Lloyd added: 'Ofcom's report confirms what consumers have been telling us for years - that bill shock is a big problem with as many as 1.4 million mobile phone customers affected in the last six months alone.

'We want clearer information for customers from the phone companies about what they charge for services in the UK and abroad, plus greater protection for consumers from hefty data charges.'

Here's what other readers have said. Why not add your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards.

The comments below have not been moderated.

Same scantily clad hottie to reinforce the message as yesterday. Not needed.

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I remember holidays without the wretched things. So whats the problem here? If you're feeling insecure halfway round the world and can't detach yourself from your mobile phone then pay up for the privilage. Tax the stupid.

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These people are stupid. Doh!

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Im going abroad this month im on contract with a smartphone but im not taking it with me I have an old phone and pay as u go sim I will be using. - tessycarter, belfast, 2/3/2012 3:01 The phone calls will cost exactly the same on your old phone as they will on the new one assuming they're on the same network and tariff, switch data roaming off and you won't be able to access data over 3G and wherever possible use free local wi-fi to make VOIP calls because they're free anywhere in the world.

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Ensure you turn off roaming and 3G. I left this switched on on my Russian phone when in the UK. Luckily had an email from our techie guys at work as I'd run up a bill of over 2000 USD, so it didn't get further out of control. Quite a hefty price to view a few emails whilst at home.

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Oh and my phone? iPhone 4S. - Stuart Dessler, London, United Kingdom, 2/3/2012 5:18 Oh, and what did you have to pay for a new 4S before your 10 pounds a month PAYG?

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My daughter turned her phone to transfer some music to her sisters phone, the phone automatically connected to the internet - Bob, UAE, 02/3/2012 05:16 Phones don't automatically switch data roaming on, it's up to you as a user to know how to use it.

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Its a tool not a toy! Either leave it at home or buy a local card at the airport when you arrive!, We keep a local sim, topped up for visitors to use that they top up before leaving. This rip off has been going on for years but visitors/holiday makers just cannot stay off the stupid things. Tough luck you fools!

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This article is just below that stating 17 million adults have trouble with maths. Love the irony DM.

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Stuart Dessler, London, United Kingdom, 02/03/2012 04:18 I'm perfectly well trained, it was an entirely theoretical example. Contracts also provide security. I don't believe everybody needs a contract. Some people don't use their sim enough to even come close to needing one I'm aware of this. Oh and we are discussing using your phone abroad. Your 250 minutes will not be for use anywhere other than in the UK to other UK mobiles.

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