The mobile telecommunications industry joined the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman this week to launch new tips to help consumers manage their spending on mobile data services.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Mobile Telecommunications Association (AMTA), Chris Althaus, said the industry was committed to promoting consumer awareness of managing spending on an increasing array of mobile data services, such as web browsing, email, video, chat, social networking and GPS navigation, which could be accessed on smartphones and mobile enabled-broadband.

“We are committed to providing practical advice to help prevent misuse and promote responsible and affordable use of mobile telecommunications. Our new tips are designed to list some key considerations for consumers to be aware of so they can access a range of data services on their mobiles and keep within their budget,” he said.

The Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman, Deirdre O’Donnell, said: ``The TIO welcomes any initiative that will allow consumers to make practical, informed decisions.”

According to findings of the 2009 Australian Mobile Phone Lifestyle Index, 77% of respondents used their mobile phones for purposes other than texting and/or voice. Almost 50% of respondents used email and social networking daily.

IDC’s Quarterly Mobile Phone Tracker recently found shipments of smartphones surged 29% in the first half of 2009, with data-centric devices with touchscreens or keyboards up 235%.

Mr Althaus said Australians were strongly embracing mobile data services including mobile broadband, however, it was important that consumers were aware of costs and did not run up unexpectedly high bills.

To gain affordable access to data services, AMTA advises consumers to:

• Get the right plan: Choose a plan that meets their needs. Consumers may choose a prepaid if they want to control their spending with upfront payments. Prepaids also allow people to get started using data, such as browsing the internet, safe in the knowledge they can’t get into debt.

• Stay within your plan’s limits: It is very important to stay within your plan because data used over and above the plan’s download allowance or limit can be charged at a higher rate for each additional megabytge. If your plan does not meet your needs, call your provider, but be aware to check if there are early termination fees.

• Use bill management tools: Service providers have self-help tools to assist consumers keep track of data usage and spending. There are free online accounts to check your spending – daily if needed – to keep track and ensure you stay within your spending limit and don’t incur an MB surcharge.

• Watch out for big downloads and streaming: Downloading music, video files, podcasts, vodcasts and games can use a lot of data. Video streaming can also eat into your data allowance. If you are incurring mobile data charges you should buy a pack that will allow you to do things you want at a lower monthly fee than going over your limit and getting hit with excess data charges.

AMTA’s new tips can be viewed under Consumer Tips at www.amta.org.au