Topic: Roaming Charges

A personal anecdote describes a frustrating interaction with AT&T customer service regarding international data roaming charges for an iPhone. The host joked with the representative that the NSA would have a record of their agreement to waive potential fees. Additionally, listeners are reminded that Google Reader is shutting down and are encouraged to export their subscription lists in OPML format.

A listener confesses to cutting off her husband's donations during an unpaid maternity leave before becoming addicted to the show herself. This leads to a discussion on international data roaming scams, with the hosts sharing anecdotes about $3,500 phone bills and negotiating with AT&T for "consideration" on overages.

Miss Mickey has received her travel papers, allowing the hosts to plan a departure from Amsterdam to Austin via Atlanta. A significant dispute with AT&T is detailed, involving a $750 monthly bill triggered by international roaming, voicemail charges, and data spikes following an iOS 6 upgrade. The discussion highlights frustrations with SIM-locked phones and the inability to shut off data services remotely.

EU Commissioner Viviane Reding is leading a crackdown on "anachronistic" mobile roaming charges across Europe. In a recent interview, she detailed her efforts to force telecommunications operators to lower prices for voice calls, text messages, and mobile data. Reding has threatened strict regulation if operators do not voluntarily reduce the exorbitant costs associated with crossing borders within the European Union.

A discussion regarding UK mobile data services focuses on Vodafone's transition from hardware dongles to USB sticks offering 7.5 megabits down. The conversation highlights the high cost of international roaming and the frustration with "fair use" limits that restrict users to small monthly data allowances.