Tough times ahead for mobile users

It's getting increasing tough for UK mobile users. All the operators seem to be raising prices for out of bundle calls and now 3 has moved to per minute billing and brought in charges for non direct debit payments and itemised paper bills. Although I have a certain sympathy with providers charging for non direct debit payments and paper bills (understanding the economics here), these price rises all add to the pressure on consumers.

Ofcom also indicated this week they are open to the idea of consumers being charged to receive calls, as our friends in the USA and Canada do. This would allow termination charges to come down (the charges that mobile operators impose on other operators to carry their calls). So if we do start paying to receive calls, in theory we'll pay less to make them. We'll see ... Anyway, the current pricing regime runs until 2011 so a lot can happen between now and then.