Huge change to roaming fee rules for millions of holidaymakers – will you save cash?

MILLIONS of holidaymakers could save some cash as new rules for roaming fees have been announced.

Ofcom has confirmed that from October 1, 2024, network operators must offer users clear information when abroad, including roaming fees and spending caps.

They will be required to tell users when they begin roaming, including any "fair use" or time constraints that may apply.

"Fair use" caps how much of your UK data allowance you may use while roaming in Europe.

The watchdog said that users should be notified how to set a spending limit and where to get assistance if they are unsure about roaming expenses.

Before Brexit, you could use your existing call, data and text allowances in Europe at no extra cost.

But Ofcom found one in five (19%) holidaymakers are still unaware they could face extra charges when using their phone abroad.

A similar proportion (18%) said they do not research roaming charges before travelling.

Sue Davies, head of consumer protection policy at Which?, said these changes can help prevent people being stung with high mobile bills that they weren't expecting.

She said: "The new rules do fall short by not suggesting that providers should give compensation to UK residents who have inadvertently fallen foul of roaming charges, and failing to outline what this would look like.

“When the UK negotiates future trade deals, it must seize the opportunity to lower the cost of roaming for consumers travelling around the world.

"The UK and EU should also agree a deal on roaming charges that stops people facing extortionate bills from providers.”

Cristina Luna-Esteban, Ofcom’s director of telecoms consumer policy, said: "The last thing holidaymakers want when returning from a trip abroad is an unexpected mobile phone bill.

"At the moment, some customers aren’t getting clear information from their provider to help them manage their mobile use and plan their spend.

"Our new protections will mean you’re told what it’ll cost when you start roaming, so you can be confident that there won’t be any surprises when it comes to your mobile bill while on holiday.”

ROAMING IN EUROPE

Those travelling with EE, Three, Vodafone, Sky and Voxi, face different charges.

Here is what you will have to pay when roaming abroad:

• EE: £2.29 a day for contract customers, or if you have a plan with Inclusive Extras, you can purchase a Roam Abroad Pass for £25 a month. £2.50 a day, or £10 for seven days, if you are pay-as-you-go. 50GB "fair use" limit.

• Three: £2 a day for contract customers, no charge for pay-as-you-go. You can buy a Data Passport for £5 for unlimited data in 89 countries. 12GB "fair use" limit.

• Vodafone: £2.25 a day, or buy a European Roaming pass for £10 for 8 days or £15 for 15 days, if you're a contract customer. From £7 for eight days if you are pay-as-you-go. 25GB "fair use" limit.

• Sky: £2 a day. No "fair use" limit.

• Voxi: £2.25 a day for one day, £4 for two days, £10 for eight days, or £15 for 15 days. 20GB "fair use" limit.

O2 customers will not have to worry about it, as the company prides itself in being the only major mobile provider not to reintroduce roaming fees in Europe.

An O2 spokesman said: "[We are] saving our customers money and providing them with incredible value when they travel to the most popular holiday destinations.

“Our customers benefit from using their calls, texts and data as they would at home when they’re in Europe, up to 25GB, and wherever our customers go we send them a text message when they arrive at their destination explaining any data limits and charges that may apply.”