OECD stresses on the need for competition to cut mobile broadband roaming rates

The high international mobile data usage has been a subject of debate for the concerned OECD states that only a tough competition amongst network operators can incite a drastic reduction in the mobile broadband charges. A study conducted by a group of 34 countries on the 68 carriers for international mobile data usage reveal that there is lack of wholesale or retail competition. The cost of sending 10 photos or data equivalent to 1MB on roaming comes to about £5.78. Canadian users have to cough out about .61 per MB, followed by US with .06. Greek network operators were the cheapest charging just .17 per MB and UK stood eighth with .02 per MB roaming rates. The reason behind this difference can be attributed to the intense competition in the market. The increased billing called for the need to enact on a maximum billing level for subscribers while on roaming. A cut off limit on data can be a good method to avoid the huge bill while on a foreign trip. The European Commission's vice president for the digital agenda, Neelie Kroes, is one of the major supporters working on this issue and has been addressing her concern on high rates and lack of competition in Europe.