More and more of your constituents are using mobile phones and mobile modems ("dongles") to access the internet and send e-mails when on the move. In the UK, most people know their price plans and are finding this use increasingly affordable. When used abroad, however, charges for mobile data use can really mount up.

Ofcom has recently published ten tips for keeping these costs down whilst travelling abroad. As the summer holiday season starts, this information may be helpful to your constituents. We have been promoting our advice, but would also like to invite you to pass it on to your constituents if you think this would be helpful. You could do this by:

• publishing the attached advice leaflet on your own website, or via a link to our on-line advice (which includes a short YouTube advice video): http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/news/2008/06/nr_20080627

• issuing your own news release to constituents. We would be happy to provide some draft wording if this would be helpful. If so, please respond to parliamentary.letters@ofcom.org.uk

• using it to respond to any constituency queries you receive

A number of operators have already reduced their roaming data charges. Ofcom is encouraging mobile operators to continue to address this issue in the consumer's interest and, in the meantime, our advice is designed to help consumers make the most of the various mobile phone packages and offers available.

A guide on "Tips for Using Your Mobile Phone Abroad" is also attached to provide more information and useful tips on this subject.

Tips for Using Your Mobile Phone Abroad