Tag: #roaming

Techlabs – Ireland’s Ultimate Tech Playground in Dublin’s RDS This Weekend

TechLabs, Ireland’s only expo dedicated to the latest in consumer tech, electronics, and lifestyle, has announced an exciting roster of additional household brand names and unmissable experiences for its upcoming event on Saturday, 18 October at Dublin’s RDS.

Dubbed as Ireland’s ultimate tech playground, the show will feature leading brands including Volvo, Dyson, Samsung, JBL and Tesla alongside additional interactive experiences such as the adrenaline-fuelled Formula 1 Sim Racing Competition and immersive roaming VR experiences.

TechLabs promises an immersive, future-forward showcase for anyone eager to discover the next big thing in technology and lifestyle. From an indoor drone display to the Tesla Optimus Gen 2 Robot, step into the future of technology under one roof.

Up to 10,000 tech enthusiasts are expected to explore cutting-edge innovations from these leading global brands in consumer electronics and smart technology. With Porsche and Harvey Norman already confirmed, TechLabs is thrilled to unveil even more highlights:

  • The ES90 Irish Debut – Volvo’s newest all-electric car powered by next-generation core computers, will be revealed to the Irish public for the first time
  • Lifestyle and Luxury – get up close with the latest speedboats and motorbikes, perfect for motoring and speed enthusiasts
  • Innovation Stage – live product reviews, interactive demos, and special guest speakers will share insider insights and unveil next-gen tech

What’s more – joining the already packed show floor of cutting-edge innovation are Hisense, the global leader in smart TVs and home entertainment showcasing Ireland’s largest TV; Eufy, known for its sleek smart-home gadgets from robotic vacuums to security cameras, Total Rethink, an Irish brand championing sustainable, low-waste tech and lifestyle products, and Telefunken, the legendary German name in premium audio and consumer electronics. TechLabs arrives just in time for visitors eager to test-drive the latest products ahead of Black Friday deals and the Christmas shopping season to spark some gift inspiration for the tech lover in your life.

TechLabs is created by the organisers of GamerFest, Ireland’s leading games convention which has welcomed over 35,000 gamers to the RDS, and the NEXUS Games Conference, a leading games industry conference bringing together global decision makers and industry leaders.

CEO of TechLabs, Stuart Dempsey, says: Techlabs is about bringing the future into the present and making it accessible for everyone. We’re creating Ireland’s tech playground – a space where families, enthusiasts and industry professionals can experience the latest innovations, explore world-class brands, and get hands on with the technology shaping tomorrow.”

www.techlabsexpo.ie

The Essential Travel Phone Settings Checklist: Stay Safe, Connected, and Cost-Efficient Abroad

From preventing theft to avoiding data roaming charges, this simple pre-travel setup guide helps travelers secure their phones and personal information before heading overseas.
Whether you’re catching a flight for business or leisure, your smartphone likely holds everything from boarding passes and hotel bookings to banking apps and personal data. However, travel exposes you to new digital threats, both physical and online. A few quick changes to your settings can save you from financial headaches, identity theft, or losing irreplaceable data.
SmartMove.us shares 6 tips on how to set up your phone for a safe, smart, and theft-proof holiday:
1. Disable Control Center Access from the Lock Screen
Thieves often exploit quick-access settings to turn on airplane mode or disable data, making your phone untraceable. Prevent this by locking down your control center from the lock screen.
2. Turn Off Mobile Data and Roaming (Unless You’re Covered)
International roaming charges can rack up fast. Disable roaming and turn off mobile data unless you’re using a travel-friendly plan or SIM.
3. Use an Authenticator App Instead of SMS for 2FA
Text-based 2FA may not work abroad and is vulnerable to SIM-swap fraud. Apps like Google Authenticator offer safer, more reliable alternatives.
4. Enable Remote Tracking & Lock Tools
Features like “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” let you locate, lock, or wipe your phone remotely if it’s lost or stolen.
5. Back Up Your Data Before Departure
Ensure all important contacts, documents, and photos are backed up to the cloud or an external drive.
6. Avoid Auto-Connecting to Public Wi-Fi
Disable automatic Wi-Fi connections to avoid insecure networks, and consider using a VPN when accessing sensitive apps.
“Many people pack their passports but forget to ‘pack’ their digital defences. A lot of theft and data breaches abroad are preventable. In fact, your phone is only as secure as its settings.
Opportunistic theft is still a top threat, especially in tourist-heavy areas. A stolen phone can be wiped and sold in minutes if it’s not properly secured. Disabling access to settings like airplane mode from the lock screen is one of the most overlooked but crucial steps.
Another thing to note is the hidden costs of travel, particularly around data usage. You might think you’re safe just by turning your phone off or leaving it on silent, but background apps can still sync. One accidental tap and you’re facing a hefty bill.
Before you board the plane, treat your phone like a second passport: protect it, secure it, and plan for what you’d do if it disappeared,” shares Tech Expert, Jes Johnson from SmartMove.us.

An Post Mobile Extends Market-Leading €12.99 Prepay Plan until October 31st

An Post Mobile, the value prepaid mobile network from An Post,  has extended its market-leading €12.99 mobile plan until October 31st. Plan benefits include 50GB of data, 500 any network minutes, 25GB EU and UK Roaming data and 300 minutes and texts to An Post customers all ‘locked in’ for life.  An Post Mobile operates on one of Ireland’s most reliable mobile networks, with unrivalled 99% 4G coverage nationwide ensuring An Post Mobile customers are always connected.
According to Amanda Campbell, Director at An Post Mobile “The average Irish mobile phone user consumes 13.6GB of data per month and our prepay plan has been designed with peoples actual usage in mind, offering 50GB of data which is three and a half times the average monthly usage. Inflation might be slowing but costs are still extremely high across the board for Irish consumers – this plan gives them everything they need and more at prices they can afford. The plan is easy to set up, with no set-up fees, bills, or contracts meaning our customers are always in control, with peace of mind that the €12.99 price is locked for life with no hidden fees or increases.”
‘Locked for Life’ Benefits
Includes 50GB of data and 500 any-network minutes in addition to 300 minutes and 300 texts with other An Post Mobile customers as well as 25GB EU & UK roaming data and 300 minutes. Customers can watch video content, listen to music, keep connected in their group chats, make Zoom calls, and browse Instagram and Twitter – all for €12.99 per month, for life.
Ease of topping-up
An Post mobile also makes topping hassle-free with their ‘Auto Top-Up’ option allowing customers to pick a day in the month when their account can be automatically topped up. This can be cancelled or changed anytime, and An Post is offering €10 free credit to customers on their first top-up.
Roaming Benefits
The plan ensures that customers can stay connected to loved ones overseas or when travelling abroad with 25GB EU and UK Roaming data and 300 minutes included in the deal. If required customers can also easily add on international minutes to their plan with 100 international minutes available for €5, or 400 international minutes for €15.
Customer Care
An Post Mobile customers have quick and easy access to An Post’s Dublin-based Customer Care experts by phone, email or Web Chat should they need help with their plan or handset with support and advice also available through the extensive Post Office network.
The €12.99 sim-only preplan is available as a limited offer until October 31st online or at any of the 900+ post offices across the country, open 6 days a week.
Further information about this plan and other An Post mobile plans on AnPost.com/Mobile.
An Post also offer a suite of mobile handsets which can be ordered in all post offices nationwide.

easySim Launches Affordable eSIM Data Roaming for Travellers Worldwide

easySim.global, part of the easy® family of companies, has launched a new data roaming service for over 150 countries worldwide, offering users huge savings when using their smartphones abroad.

Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, the cost of using your mobile overseas can be shocking. Most of the UK mobile networks such as EE, Sky, Three and Vodafone no longer allow their users to “roam like at home” in the EU, and data charges in the rest of the world are almost always outside your standard mobile bundle.

The answer to extortionately high data costs abroad is a prepaid eSIM from easySim.global, the new international roaming service from the easy family of brands. easySim.global provides travellers with reliable internet for smartphones and tablets around the globe, meaning you stay connected using your favourite apps at low fixed prices.

 

The quick and easy way to get cheaper roaming data abroad
eSIMs are a great way to change your mobile data provider when travelling to give you access to much better rates than your standard contract, without removing the primary SIM card from your phone.

Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert recently used an eSIM on holiday and commented: ‘The whole experience was easier and simpler than expected’.

How it works
Simply choose your destination country and data bundle at www.easySim.global, then load the eSIM from the QR code in your welcome email. Set your new eSIM as the default for data roaming as you land in your destination and you are good to go!

eSIMs are compatible with the majority of 4G/5G Apple and Android smartphones, there are no apps to load or tricky SIM cards to install. Customer service is provided online 24/7 via the easySim.global website.

Who can benefit from the new service?
easySim can save international travellers money, whenever they use mobile data outside their standard coverage zone, regardless of their country of origin or mobile operator.

For example, UK visitors to popular destinations like Turkey, USA, Morocco or Thailand can achieve great savings on data roaming compared to their standard mobile contracts. Likewise, Americans arriving in Austria; Aussies attending the Ashes; Indians interested in Iceland or Spaniards sightseeing Singapore could all save money on mobile data compared to their deals at home.

Who is behind easySim.global?
easySim.global is a new business formed by Portsmouth based telecoms entrepreneurs Jim Guest and Richard Gwilliam, with the support of easyGroup Chairman Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou. The company seeks to challenge the punitive international data roaming charges imposed by many mobile operators, by offering low-cost data with no catches from a convenient digital platform.

Co-founder Jim Guest says of the venture: “Summer is here but business travellers and holiday makers have had enough of the cost of roaming when they use their smartphones or tablets abroad. We’re proud to be working with Sir Stelios to take on the big boys of the mobile market and protect consumers against bill shock.”

Sir Stelios had this to say about the launch of easySim.global: “easySim.global is a new way for travellers to get low-cost mobile data worldwide. It’s simple to use and great value, so the company is perfectly aligned with easy® brand values and I’m delighted to be working with the directors to get new customers onboard.”

How much can you save?
Using a 14 day stay in Turkey as an example, easySim.global offers 3GB of data for only £7, saving a minimum of £63 against the major UK network operators’ bolt-on tariffs. But many situations are much worse: Ian from Portsmouth recently had to pay £416 for only using 69MB in a single day in Turkey!

How to get started
Check your phone is eSIM compatible and it’s not locked to a network, register for the service at www.easySim.global and purchase the right data bundle for your destination. You will receive a QR code by email which you use to activate your eSIM. 

  • easySim.global provides prepaid data eSIMs giving access to local Tier 1 mobile network operators worldwide.
  • easySim.global’s roaming service is data only and does not provide voice calls or SMS, but voice calling and messaging through popular apps such as WhatsApp, Facetime, Messenger etc.
  • The full list of supported countries can be found here.
  • The full list of eSIM compatible phones can be found here.
  • Users will be required to change their phone settings to set the eSIM as the default data service while abroad.
  • Customer support is provided online 24/7 using the contact form on the easySim.global website here.

Consumers hit again with EU roaming delayed till 2018. by @jimboireland #Roaming

This year rates were supposed to change and it meant consumers would enjoy better deals,but that has now been postponed until at least 2018 but they slightly try gentle the blow by saying we will get a better deal,this of course remains to be seen but time will tell no doubt,i will believe it when i see it.

Roaming charges of course vary for everyone but in 2015 you would think this would be a topic that should be fast tracked but no,its easily to see why not,its a great revenue stream and competition is heating up.

 

 

RTE reports  

However the European Council has decided to send the package back to Parliament for further discussions, arguing that a new pricing mechanism should in the meantime mean lower costs.

“Within certain limits to be determined, consumers could make and receive calls, send SMSs and use data services without paying anything extra on top of the domestic fee,” it said in a statement.

“Once this basic roaming allowance is used up, the operator may charge a fee but this fee will be much lower than current charges,” it said.

“As the next step, the (European) Commission will be asked to assess by mid-2018 what further measures may be needed with a view to phasing out roaming charges.”

Guy Verhofstadt, President of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe group in Parliament, condemned the decision as favouring the telecoms companies over consumers.

“This is extremely disappointing … the only winners from it are national telecoms operators themselves. Member States should hang their heads in shame.”

 

 

 

 

#Comreg toughen up on Irish Operators with roaming,alerts and transparency #JTB #IrishMobile

Its July the 1st and good news for Irish customers as regards to roaming charges and more,this will be a welcome move by all customers here in ireland across the board..

Still much has to be done to tighten up some means of advertising and how lightly the networks get off with certain things such as UNLIMITED DATA advertising and also network speeds advertised vs reality speeds,but its a step in the right direction but not fast enough.

MOBILE ROAMING PRICE REDUCTIONS- Effective NOW…

 

Making a call while roaming in the EU is 23 cent per minute.

• Receiving a call while roaming in the EU is 6 cent per minute.
• Sending a text message while roaming in the EU is 7 cent (It is free to
receive a text message in the EU).
• Data usage while roaming in the EU is 25 cent per MB of data.

 

Price reductions compared with prices in 2013
• The price per minute of making a call while roaming in the EU has been
reduced by 20.8%.
• The price per minute of receiving a call while roaming in the EU has been
reduced by 28.6%.
• The price for sending a text message while roaming in the EU has been
reduced by 25%.
• The price per MB of data usage while roaming in the EU has been reduced
by 55.6%.

 

Other safeguards and benefits of the EU Roaming Regulation
A consumer who data roams is automatically opted into a data cap of €61.50

Data Usage Alert !

Since 1 July 2012 consumers who travel outside the EU also receive the data
usage alert at €61.50 while travelling.

unless they have requested not to receive the usage alert. A consumer will be
advised when they reach 80% of the data usage cap and again at 100% of the
data usage cap. The consumer can then decide to continue to data roam or not.
The alert is provided to ensure that consumers do not incur unexpected high
data roaming charges while travelling.

 

Transparency SMS.

 

When a consumer travels in the EU they must receive an SMS from their mobile
operator advising the consumer of the costs of roaming in the EU, this includes
the cost of calls made and received, the cost of sending an SMS/MMS, the cost
per Megabyte (MB) of data, details in relation to how to find out more information
if required – (freephone number) and details on the European emergency
number 112.

 

You can read the full report HERE