New mobile roaming rules to help holidaymakers avoid shock bills abroad – will you benefit?

HOLIDAYMAKERS could save money on their mobile phone bills under new plans.

Ofcom has put forward proposals that would require providers to tell customers when they have started using their phones abroad.

Firms would also have to inform people how much it would cost them to use their devices and anything they can do to restrict spending.

Messages would be sent to people's phones when they connect to the local network after arriving in a foreign country.

It is hoped the proposals will stop people mistakenly using their phones abroad and being charged.

It comes as new research by the regulator found more than eight in 10 holidaymakers read roaming alerts when they flash up on their screens.

Some phone companies already send customers roaming alerts, while others do not.

Cristina Luna-Esteban, Ofcom’s director of telecoms consumer protection, said: “Millions of UK holidaymakers head abroad every year and want to stay connected on their travels.

"But without clear information from their provider, they could find themselves facing an unexpected bill for calling home or going online.

"These alerts would mean whichever mobile provider you’re with, you won’t be left in the dark about roaming charges and action you can take to manage your spending."

Since the UK exited the EU, some, but not all, providers charge customers around £2 a day to make or receive calls, send texts or use internet while abroad.

Some firms already send customers alerts to tell them they have started roaming, but Ofcom found this information can be relayed unclearly and inconsistently.

Under its proposals, phone companies would have to provide customers landing in a foreign country with personalised alerts on:

• Roaming charges that will apply including specifying any daily internet limits and the time period that applies to any daily charges
• Any mobile bill limit a customer has in place
• Where to find free-to-access additional detail on roaming charges, fair use policies and how to monitor, reduce and limit spend

Mobile phone providers would also have to take steps to ensure customers are informed about inadvertent roaming, under the proposals.

This is when a device connects to a network in a different country when you're not actually using that service.

It can mean you are slapped with an unwanted roaming charge.

Ofcom said it is inviting responses to its proposals until September 28, 2023, and plans to publish its decision in early 2024.

Many providers already voluntarily send roaming alerts to customers and have systems and processes in place to send them.

But, Ofcom said some providers might need time to implement any changes.

It is therefore proposing an "implementation period" of six months from the date it publishes its decision.

That means any changes wouldn't come into effect until mid-way through next year.

Alex Tofts, broadband expert at Broadband Genie, said "any moves to raise consumer awareness" of roaming charges were welcome.

Meanwhile, Ernest Doku, mobile expert at Uswitch, said: "We strongly support Ofcom’s proposal of new roaming rules.

"There are virtually no regulatory protections left for consumers when they use their phones abroad for calls, texts or data usage - an issue that we have been very vocal about since the EU protections expired.

"Roaming costs can now be incredibly expensive, and consumers have been left exposed at a time when a large unexpected bill could have severe consequences."

It comes as new research by Ofcom reveals one in five holidaymakers are unaware they could face extra charges for using their mobile abroad.

Meanwhile, 18% said they do not research roaming charges before travelling.

More than eight in 10 people read roaming alerts when they flash up on their phones though, the research found.

Of those who read the alerts, 94% rate them as either essential or helpful when they first start roaming.

Over 70% change their behaviour when they see such an alert.

Which firms charge you to roam abroad

A number of providers currently charge customers to use their phones abroad, whether that be through text, calls or internet.

EE charges customers £2 a day or £10 a month for using up to 50GB of data each month.

Meanwhile, O2 doesn't charge you for using your phone abroad, but it does have a monthly data limit of 25GB.

Three charges customers £2 a day for using their phones in the EU, and £5 a day outside this area.

Vodafone charges between £1 and £6 a day depending on what package you have and where you are visiting.

A number of providers don't charge you for roaming though, including Giff Gaff, Smarty, Plusnet and Tesco.

How to avoid data roaming

If you're looking to still use your mobile phone abroad and want to avoid roaming charges, there's some steps you can take.

Alex, from Broadband Genie, said to set your phone to airplane mode while travelling abroad, or you can turn off data roaming in settings.

If you are in a larger group, you can take it turns to activate roaming, as most providers have daily caps, so you can split the cost.

But the best way to avoid racking up big bills is to make the most of your broadband before your trip and Wi-Fi when abroad.

Alex said: "Streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+ allow you to download movies and series before you travel to watch offline.

"Downloading content while you are abroad is an easy way to trigger roaming charges and exceed your data allowance, costing you even more. 

“You can even download maps now for use offline, so you can avoid racking up charges even when you get lost.

“Make the most of public Wi-Fi while travelling, but be cautious about using a connection that might not be trustworthy, as these could be a way for hackers to gain access to your personal information."

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.