EU Roaming Fees

[uk3g]

Great news to here that Vodafone is one of the first, if not the first to announce that from 12 April 2017 it will be abandoning roaming fees in the EU.  However, from what I understand it will limit the roaming data usage to 4GB as it currently does for those on their Red and Red Value Pay Monthly plans. I know this is in anticipation of the EU decision to scrap roaming charge from June 2017.

My question is, albeit it might be too early to answer, is how will this affect existing customers, as from what I understand Vodafone indicate that it only applies to new customers signing up new contracts or upgrading. Presumably the EU decision could apply to all customers whether pay as you go or pay monthly and to your entire data allowance even if that exceeds 4GB.

Great start nonetheless :smileyvery-happy:

[donnyguy]

I haven't seen the announcement you mention but I don't see how they can limit your overseas usage to 4GB if your allowance is more. Unless this applies till June only. 

I did read that 3 in Ireland are trying to restrict overseas data by changing the contract wording giving xGB of data as well as 'bonus data' that can be used at home only. 

Vodafone Ireland spoke out against this so I'd be surprised to see Vodafone UK try to restrict overseas usage after June. 

Edit: I've just read up on the website now and it seems contacts taken out today and afterwards are now called 'Roam Free' when roaming in Europe and it's a case of take  your home allowances abroad.

Contracts taken before today are still subject to the inclusive roaming or flat rate per day roaming as per what was taken out at the time. I'm sure that'll change come June but have to admit, what I'm seeing so far on these new packages (I'm noseying at sim only) makes me think I'm not leaving in 28 days as planned! 

[Nabs]

@uk3g there isn't any mention about a 4GB limit on the "Global Roaming" page, in fact is states that you get your "home data allowance"

So new and upgrading customers will automatically be on one of the new contracts, Existing customers who are in a contract can either wait until upgrade time or you can call 08080 044848 to switch your plan now, not sure if there are any cost implications for that though, can't find any information about it. 

[uk3g]

Hi, when I wrote the post I didn't see anything on the website. A colleague was reading out a piece he saw in the newspaper about it. I took out my contract with Vodafone because my employer participates in the VEA scheme but many of my colleagues elected for EE because they could use all their data and minutes in the EU and not limited to 4gb. We were discussing which of the two was better.

If you will be able to utilise your entire UK allowance then that's even better.

[Nabs]

It seems following yesterday's announcement Vodafone would be the better option for using your phone abroad now then?

[chistery]

I understand that all existing pay monthly customers will move onto global roaming on 11th June so you will get the same benefits as new customers.

[kingping]

So from the 11th June we can all use our allowance in Europe? I think this is a good way forward but as all providers will be required to do the same thing, the only main provider doing better will be Three as they will not only offer Europe but other major Countries like Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and USA, which no other provider does.  All these countries I would presume Vodafone have networks and that would certainly be a game changer. Just saying :manlol:

[chistery]

Three do not do 4G roaming. Three severely throttle data. Three do not have free roaming in that many countries. Just saying. :catlol:

[donnyguy]

I can see your point about Three offering free (ish) roaming in a number of wierd and wonderful places but there is a downside.

Firstly, they majorly throttle the data speeds you can achieve whilst roaming so it doesn't feel like you're at home. If you're interested, why not check out this article on the issue. There's even an offical response from Three on the matter.

Secondly, in-country calls. Not included. My friend called a US number whilst roaming in the US. Paid standard rates.

Thirdly, they don't actually like you using it. My friend returned from America and after a few days went to France. They texted to say they were looking into cutting off her roaming service as she was abroad too much!

So for me, who isn't always a Vodafone fan (read some of my other posts), Vodafone are still the the leader in the UK market when it comes to roaming.

Firstly, because they were the first to offer flat rate roaming that included data. Secondly, they were the first to offer free inclusive roaming. Thirdly for the new packages just launched.

For me, I love the fact that I get the full experience when roaming with Vodafone. I can make in country calls, I can make the most of my data connection (including tethering for work).

I have used World Traveller in the past and even though it's chargable, it's been good to know what my costs are and I did use it occaisionally to recieve calls only (which is free). 

So back to Three, I really hope the laws that come into play in June mean they remove the restrictions on their service so customers can really enjoy the feel at home experience when they go overseas.

[kingping]

@donnyguy

Thanks for your response. Actually Three does not throttle your speed overseas, I used to be a customer with them before moving to Vodafone because of work. Your right in that currently with them you can receive calls in their 42 designated countries and make calls back to the UK for free but can not make calls to the country you are in. However, come the 15 June however, that will change and all calls whilst roaming in EU will be free baring of course calls made from the UK to countries in EU i think.

Also you can use your data too in the 42 countries they currently partner with.

@christery

I think you may need to get your information correct. As it stands Three provides free roaming in 42 countries which is more than the 40 offered by Vodafone or anyone else for that matter. 4G is available whilst roaming but depends on the partner network used which will be the same for all providers.

I'm not a great fan of Three but was providing other avenues vodafone might consider.