In light of Government and consumer attention on the absurdly high costs of data roaming charges on both sides of the Tasman, mobile carriers have engaged in a battle to be seen as the most competitive - Vodafone has just announced a rate it believes is the lowest here or in Australia.

The new rate of $1/MB, down from $5/MB,  is available to prepay and on account Vodafone New Zealand customers in Australia. Telecom's comparative rate is $8/MB and 2degrees' is $2.50/MB.

Vodafone general manager, Kursten Shalfoon said the move was made on the back of "extremely positive" customer feedback from a drop to $2/MB late last year. She He said the new rate is permanent.

Vodafone's move comes a week after 2degrees dropped its data roaming rates from $30/MB to $2.50/MB.