Extra costs for using mobile phone data in Europe have come into force following Brexit, but one provider says many people aren't aware what they'll be charged if they use their phone on holiday this summer. Prior to the UK leaving the EU, most providers did not charge any extra fees for using mobiles in the Europe.
However most have since withdrawn the perk, meaning using your phone in the EU in the same way you do at home will cost extra, although many providers cover this with a relatively small flat daily fee. Network provider O2 has now said that research it has carried out shows that nearly one third - 31% - of Brits are not aware if their provider will charge them for using their phone abroad.
It said that more than three quarters of people - 78% - saw access to their mobile data an essential on holiday to help them stay connected, yet holidaymakers could be facing unexpected bills by not having free data roaming. O2 also said that almost half of people - 49% - were feeling more stressed than ever in the run up to their trips this summer as they feel the pressure of overspending while away amid the cost of living crisis.
Then survey found that 70% of people were still determined to get away, but more than a quarter said their budget for a trip abroad had been reduced and a third said they would not have booked their holiday this year if they had known there would be a cost of living crisis.
A whopping 78% of holiday makers said that despite the worry about mobile data costs in Europe, they saw it as a necessary expense in order to fully enjoy their trip. In contrast, 30% of British holidaymakers noted that not having access to internet made them feel uncomfortable being spontaneous while abroad.
O2 says it is the only major network provider to not bring back EU roaming fees, with customers able to enjoy inclusive roaming up to 25GB. The survey also found that many directly attributed their phones as contributing to their fun on holiday, with 51% saying they get a rush from sharing updates with friends and family and 76% said that being contactable at any moment allowed them to fully relax.
To tackle this issue, O2 and Love Island contestant Chloe Burrows opened the world’s first swim-up mobile phone shop in Menorca, where non-O2 customers were gifted new Pay As You Go Sims so they could avoid being hit with a bumper roaming bill.
Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer at Virgin Media O2, said: “As a nation, we’re more excited than ever to jet away and enjoy the sun, especially after the past two years. However, travel inevitably causes some stress, whether it’s dealing with Covid admin, the risks of cancelled flights, and now trying to keep within budget during a cost-of-living crisis.
“We want to help our customers get back to what a holiday is really about – fun and relaxation. That’s why we’ve opened the O2 Swim-up Mobile Phone Shop and continue to be the only major network provider to not bring back EU roaming fees.”
