As we approach the end of the transition period it is important that we prepare ourselves for the changes that will be implemented after midnight on the 31st December 2020. One of these changes will be mobile phone call charges whilst within EU countries.

Can I use my phone abroad now?

Even though we have left the European Union, you are still able to use your mobile phone as you normally would whilst visiting a country that is part of the EU. This includes being able to take advantage of surcharge free roaming. You are able to make calls, texts and use your mobile data for the same price that you would if you were in the UK.

What are the changes to using my phone abroad after January 1st 2021?

Once the transition period has ended you will no longer be guaranteed surcharge free roaming. This means that when you use your phone outside of the UK, within an EU member country you may be charged more than you would ordinarily expect for services such as calls, texts and your mobile data. This will also extend to people who are using their phone for business purposes.

In an attempt to protect consumers, the Government has made legislation that will mean there is a limit upon the amount of charges that you can accrue when using your phone in a EU member country. The limit is £45. This has been done to prevent customers from receiving surprise charges and bills. After this amount has been reached, any customer that wants to continue spending will have to take action and contact their service provider.

Part of the new mobile phone legislation will also include warnings for those who are spending money (perhaps unwittingly) by notifying the user when they have used both 80% and 100% of their allowed data usage, helping to raise awareness of the changes whilst also protecting consumers from accumulating accidental fees.

We want to help you prepare for the end of the transition period which is why our blog will always keep you updated with the most relevant industry news.

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