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iPhone glitch could ruin your holiday

Jo Robinson
Jul 23rd 2010 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Technology and Online

After a wave of controversy over antenna and signal problems with the iPhone4, it appears there may be a new problem with all Apple's phone models.

Consumer revenge website, MoneySavingExpert has reported large numbers of complaints from iPhone users looking for advice after being wrongly charged for internet use overseas.


The site has found many users who have taken the correct steps to avoid charges, have returned home to sky high bills even though they haven't used the internet abroad. One user reported charges of £1,500 despite having turned off data roaming.

Turning off data roaming should prevent your phone being able to download internet data using a mobile network. You can still search the web on wifi, but that shouldn't lead to any charges from your network.

Martin Lewis, creator of MoneySavingExpert.com, says: "Those who have paid when they shouldn't have, should contact their network immediately and demand a refund. In some cases, we're hearing the networks are paying out without too much argument, which could indicate this is a known problem. Let's hope it does not get brushed under the carpet."

The site has advice for those about to take their iPhone abroad:

Take these three steps before you leave the UK, though if this problem is not rectified or you've downloaded unauthorised software you could still be charged.

1. Make sure your software is up-to-date. When you plug your phone into iTunes you will be alerted to any new software updates. O2 says a fault in a previous iPhone software version led to erroneous charges, though they now say that it has been fixed.
2. Switch off the data roaming function on your handset BEFORE you leave the UK and keep it off. If it is on, certain apps will trigger data downloading even if you're not browsing the web. You may also be downloading emails inadvertently.
3. Ensure your emails are set to manually retrieve message. This will stop it happening by surprise in case you turn data roaming on.

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