The UK is no longer part of the EU. This means free roaming isn’t guaranteed. Here’s how much EU roaming will cost from Vodafone, Three, EE and O2.
Major UK networks are bringing EU roaming charges back – we explain what you need to know about roaming in the EU
Brexit is finally upon us and with it comes a variety of changes to life, some expected and others that will probably come as a surprise. One of these is the return of roaming charges on your phone when travelling in Europe. EE, Vodafone and most recently Three have announced that they will reinstate roaming charges, making a U-turn on their stance from earlier this year.
What are roaming charges?
For a number of years, anyone travelling through mainland Europe and using their phone would pay charges for using mobile phone networks. These were called roaming charges, due to the fact that you were indeed roaming around and not at home. And they led to some pretty hefty bills if you watched a few episodes on Netflix without realising.
Things changed in 2017 when legislation was passed that ensured EU members could travel through all the member states without incurring these charges. Of course, Britain voted to leave the EU and as of 31 December the transition period ended, leaving the UK outside the bloc.
Will EE charge for roaming in the EU?
EE was the first network to change its stance on roaming charges, announcing fee changes in June 2021.
Customers who joined the network before 7 July 2021 will not be affected, while customers who started a new plan on EE after 7 July will have to pay a daily fee, but only after January 2022.
EE’s roaming charges in Europe cost £2 per day unless you add the “Roam Abroad” Smart Benefit to your plan when you travel, which costs £10 per month though can be adjusted if you add the benefit in the middle of your billing cycle. It was previously called the Roam Further pass.
Will O2 charge for roaming in the EU?
O2’s hasn’t yet announced any changes to its European roaming fees and still offers up to 25GB of data abroad at no additional cost as per the fair usage limit. If you need more than that, it’ll cost £3.50/GB
We’d recommend contacting O2 before travelling abroad just to confirm that you’re able to use your device without the risk of roaming charges.
Will Three charge for roaming in the EU?
On 9 September, Three announced that it would stop free EU roaming with changes taking effect from 23 May 2022. This won’t affect anyone who joined the network before 1 October 2021 – unless you’ve upgraded your plan after that date.
New and upgrading customers will have to pay £2 per day within the EU and £5 per day outside the EU, though roaming in the Republic of Ireland will remain unaffected.
Will Vodafone charge for roaming in the EU?
Vodafone also reintroduced roaming charges to its plans on 11 August 2021. Customers who joined before that date won’t be affected – just as long as they don’t upgrade or change their plan. Pay as you go plans won’t be affected by the change either.
New customers will have to pay for roaming charges from 6 January 2022, unless their plan includes roaming as a benefit as a part of the new 4 Xtra plan structure (which starts at £18 per month for 2GB data).
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