topic Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges in Discussions & Feedback

DFDS GSM Ferry charges

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:40:36 GMT

Pretty annoyed to get a text half way across the channel from Dunkirk to Dover informing me I was attached to the ships GSM and would be charged £6 per MB for any data myt phone downloaded.

I had been on roaming for 4 days at O2's reasonable rate, didnt to think to turn my phone off nor that I would get price gouged by my Ferry for the last 20 miles to Dover. Its like having someone stealing money from your back pocket.

If you raise it with DFDS they blame the charges on O2 convieniently side stepping the fact that they signed the contracts with the telcom supplier, installed the technology and make fees off this. If you look at DFDS website they only mention voice/SMS not data and the people on the ship and contact centre were clueless.

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

Cleoriff — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:44:03 GMT

I understand your annoyance but it is well documented that ship and ferry rates are extortionate sadly...

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:54:20 GMT

Had the same issue returning from Rosslare to Pembroke - I'd paid the Int Bolt on for data then a further £27 as I'd caught Norwegian roaming for 10 minutes even though I was in the Irish sea - very confusing and deliberate IMO

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

perksie — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:58:04 GMT

We are constantly warning not to leave the phone on when aboard a ship as we've seen this all too often.

More here: http://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Pay-Monthly-and-Pay-Go/Ferry-roaming-charges-also-relevant-for-cruise-ships/td-p/814621

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

jonsie — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 12:55:50 GMT

Many threads on this. Have you tried calling o2, speaking to different advisers give different outcomes

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

jonsie — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:03:03 GMT

Yes there are many threads on this but there are far too many people caught out with this. Shame the ferries aren't regulated. ..

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

Cleoriff — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:05:36 GMT

I agree @jonsie in this day and age with the increase in people using smartphones and tablets, it seems 'shipping rates' are a massive con.

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

jonsie — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 13:08:44 GMT

Compare this to Emirates who give you 500mb data for just £1.00....easily enough for two 7 hour flights to get here....

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

Anonymous — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 14:58:06 GMT

thanks for reply, I dont have a problem with O2, its the ferry companies.

Good customer relationship management should persuade them to provide better notification of this in the booking receipts, on website or on-board. They could even make an announcement before they switch the service on.

What really annoys me is that DFDS have given there contact staff a well prepared statement that it is the mobile carriers responsibility to inform me of these charges and they have no responsibility over it - completely sidestepping that they signed the commercial contracts, put the technology on their ships.

As ever today the answer is technology, phones need better network selection functionality. Until you give control to the consumers sharp suited people will continue to scam you.

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

MI5 — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 15:08:44 GMT

Totally agree with you !

Re: DFDS GSM Ferry charges

jonsie — Thu, 11 Jun 2015 16:41:49 GMT

I agree. There should be clear notification about connecting to their system and the charges for doing so. There again, that would cut their extortionate profits...