Data roaming rules need to be made more clearer by UK mobile phone operators, that's the message coming from Martin Lewis, the man behind MoneySaving Expert.
The consumer group, MoneySavingExpert.com, has issued a new report containing worrying findings on EU roaming. Their report comes as many big mobile operators in the UK are now fully reintroducing data roaming charges to their plans following Brexit.
It means that thousands of customers will now have to pay to use their phone abroad, leaving many with higher bills and little rights to contest. Because the providers don't have to warn users of roaming costs, provide a monthly cap on roaming fees, or offer protections against inadvertent roaming, users are being caught out by unexpected roaming costs.
READ MORE: Latest on data roaming charges for EE, Vodafone, Three, O2, Virgin, Sky, BT and more
The group is also calling on the UK mobile companies to be more clear with their data roaming messaging to customers. Their report found that while three of the four major mobile networks now charge for roaming in the EU, different providers use different definitions of a 'day' of roaming leaving consumers at risk of overpaying. Martin Lewis added that networks need to avoid confusion when stating that customers will get a "daily charge" when abroad.
Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert.com said: “I've no faith in mobile firms to self-regulate. When we left the EU, they promised not to reintroduce European roaming charges…yet most of the big networks have broken that promise. So our report calls on Ofcom to not trust voluntary promises – we need to reintroduce the formal, compulsory consumer protections.
“And it's time too, to define time. We need to ban a daily roaming fee charged for use 'up to 11.59pm' without even mentioning in which time zone. Instead, we recommend all providers must define a roaming 'day' as a 24-hour period from first use, clearly explain that in the arrival text, and alert customers at least an hour before the daily charges end."
Following this report, we've compiled a lit of the current providers that do provide clear messaging when it comes to 'free data roaming' on their latest SIM only deals. Scroll down for more.
Lyca Mobile
Lyca Mobile is one of a handful of operators not to have reintroduced EU roaming charges. They offer SIM-only plans and phone plans, as well as data bolt-ons. Their cheapest SIM deal is priced at £1.30 a month. Lyca Mobile’s latest SIM-only mobile plans include:
- National Plus - for new SIM customers, £10 for 30 days. Includes 15GB of data, unlimited UK minutes and texts, 100 international minutes and EU roaming.
- UK Plan Super Extra - for new SIM customers, £15 for 30 days. Includes 30GB of data, unlimited UK minutes and texts, 100 international minutes and EU roaming.
- UK Plan Mega Plus - for new SIM customers, £20 for 30 days. Includes 100GB data, unlimited UK minutes and texts, 100 international minutes and EU roaming.
New Lyca Mobile customers can also get a 50% discount on these plans for the first three months.
O2
O2, who have merged with Virgin Media, are one of the only big providers to not reinstate EU roaming fees. They offer their customers free data roaming in 49 countries in Europe.
Customers who are have a UK monthly data allowance which is over 25GB, will have a roaming limit of 25GB when roaming in O2's Europe Zone. This means they can use up to 25GB of their allowance at no extra cost – and O2 will text customers who are close to the limit, and again if they reach it. Users can still use data if they reach O2's roaming limit, but they'll be charged at £3.50/GB.
Those who want to travel further afield can get the O2 Travel Bolt On as O2 say it's the perfect way to stay connected when you’re on holiday - it costs £4.99 a day in selected destinations outside Europe.
O2 offer SIM-only deals as well as handset plans. Here are some of their best offers currently:
- Plus Plan - gives customers 30GB data on a SIM-only plan which is for 24 months at £15 a month, includes unlimited minutes and texts, free data roaming (including USA), six months free Apple Music and six months of Disney+ or Amazon Prime Video.
- Pay as you go - the cheapest pay as you go SIM deal we have seen costs £10 credit and gives O2 customers 7GB of data, unlimited minutes and texts, free data roaming and the ability to claim £10 free credit back, only online.
- Nothing Phone 1 - they currently have the brand new Nothing Phone 1 handset on a 36 month device plan for just £10 upfront and then £24.20 a month. This includes 256GB of memory, 3GB data, unlimited minutes and texts, free data roaming and more.
Find out more about O2's EU roaming here.
Plusnet
Plusnet normally specialises in providing broadband but they offer mobile deals too. They also don't add on any extra charges for customers who want to use their phone in the EU.
Shoppers can get 18GB of data for £8 per month on their 30 day contract SIM plan. This includes unlimited minutes and texts too, as well as free data roaming. Their essential SIM only deal plan includes 5GB of data for 30 days, and comes with unlimited minutes and texts for £6 per month. Their extreme SIM only deal for 30 days contains 30GB of data, unlimited minutes and texts and free data roaming, and costs £10 per month.
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