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Mobile phone operators stifle international business

Oct 15 2010

Business travellers find roaming charges prohibitive

Half of business travellers say they have lost custom through not being able to efficiently stay in touch with colleagues or clients.

According to a study of 250 UK business travellers by research organisation Vanson Bourne, 71 per cent feel under pressure to use their mobile phone less when abroad due to the high cost of roaming.

Almost two thirds (63 per cent) of respondents feel roaming charges are unaffordable, with 68 per cent having been surprised by a high mobile bill after a business trip abroad.

As a result, more than two thirds (68 per cent) make fewer or shorter phone calls, with one in five turning off their data connection and 7 per cent switching off their phones altogether while overseas.

Despite their reluctance to use their phones abroad, 74 per cent recognise that not staying connected with clients results in reduced customer service and dissatisfied customers.

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