Data Roaming Changes Update

Prior to Brexit, we could all enjoy travel in the EU whilst staying connected, as additional data roaming charges had been removed in 2017. Sadly, the EU trade deal in December 2020 gave mobile operators the chance to reintroduce those extra fees.

Vodaphone, EE and Three have all said they will bring back the data roaming fees this year for European use.

Virgin and O2 have announced that they won’t, which has been a very popular decision!

Virgin and O2 customers will be able to use their mobile data and make calls and texts when they travel to Europe on the same deal as they have in the UK.

Virgin Media O2 – the company that owns the Virgin Mobile and O2 networks – want to give its customers some certainty.

‘We’re starting the year by giving our customers some certainty: we will not be reintroducing roaming fees in Europe for customers on O2 or Virgin Mobile.’ said Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer. ‘With many Brits now looking to plan a trip abroad, we’ve got our customers covered and extra roaming charges will be one less thing to worry about.’

Vodafone plans to bring back roaming charges at the end of January, EE is set to do so in March and Three to do so in May.

EE and Vodaphone will offer passes that reduce the fees for a period of time. Rates outside of these offers will depend on when contracts were entered into, or upgraded, so check with your provider to ensure you know what your costs will be.

Consumer champion Which? urged the UK and EU to “strike a deal” on charges, to provide certainty for travellers.