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- Regulator Ofcom is cracking down on roaming charge notifications, but not bills
More travelers will be spared stealth roaming charges when traveling abroad under rules from regulator Ofcom.
The incoming changes mean mobile providers must warn customers about charges when they start using their phones abroad or even in the UK, putting an end to unexpected bill shocks.
Since Brexit, European Union roaming rules no longer apply to UK customers, meaning fees for using mobile devices abroad again apply.
Brexit woes: Travelers faced unexpected bills for roaming charges in Europe after Brexit
This means many Brits face high fees for using their phones abroad, depending on their contract and/or network.
While some networks still send roaming alerts, this is not always guaranteed.
But now, Ofcom’s latest regulations ensure that every mobile customer will receive clear notifications when they start roaming.
Under the new rules, mobile networks must provide easy-to-understand information about roaming charges and limits.
Travelers will also learn how to set spending limits to avoid huge bills. All this information will be freely accessible.
Crackdown on accidental roaming
The issue of accidental roaming is also being addressed.
This happens when phones switch to a foreign network without warning, often in border areas such as Northern Ireland or the English coast.
With these new protections, customers will be alerted if they are inadvertently roaming and given advice on how to avoid it.
Mobile operators must also treat roaming in certain areas, such as Ireland, in the same way as in the UK, helping to reduce unexpected charges while close to home.
| mobile phone company | Roaming charges |
|---|---|
| O2 | 25GB free then £3.50 per GB |
| USA | £2.29 per day |
| Three | £2 per day |
| Vodafone | 25 GB free, then fees apply |
‘Address roaming costs now’
While Ofcom’s decision to address data on roaming charges has been welcomed, some experts say high charges for mobile use abroad should be next.
Ernest Doku, telecommunications expert at Uswitch, said: ‘This is good news, as while many providers have competitive roaming policies, there is still inconsistency between providers and the clarity of information available.
‘However, it will not prevent them from being subject to roaming charges, which can be as high as £9 per MB of data in some countries.
“There is still virtually nothing stopping providers from charging whatever they want when you use your phone abroad.”
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