International Roaming and Switzerland: bad taste

European tourists using their mobile phones in the French Guiana are paying less than when they are in Switzerland.

How is it possible? Thanks to the Eurotariff, the European regulated tariff for European roamers.

The French Guiana, despite far far away from Europe, is part of the French Overseas Departments and Territories and therefore legally France. As consequence of the new regulation Swiss mobile operators negotiating wholesale roaming rates (IOTs) with European will be considered 'rest of the world' and will have to pay much more that their Neighbors for the right to roam.

What are the implications for the Swiss mobile market? is the wholesale market now competitive? and what can we do to solve this problem?

In April I will be part of a panel discussion on this topic at the next IIR "Roaming World Congress" in Vienna.

more to come...

United Mobile and Roaming Regulation

The Erotariff is available or will be soon available in Europe after one of the fastest legislation processes in the history of the European Parliament. It is a clear example on how regulation can be positive for consumers and competition.

Let me explain you, I do not mean that consumers will pay less, operators are already re balancing tariffs and packages and re-negotiating wholesale charges to cope with the reduction of international roaming revenues.

It is just a start! Let wait and see how the industry evolves. For example united-mobile have launched a new virtual roaming services from the Isle of Jersey with incredible good rates (http://www.united-mobile.com/)