Changes to roaming and free early termination

[Tonez88]

New poster hopefully in correct place.

Once I get time to call i will but had an email this morning regards to changes to vodafone roaming policy and they was letting me know as I do alot of roaming (easy four months at a time and I can be home for a week or two and may need to go away again.)

They have offered at the end of the email as my terms have changed to early termination with no fees what I would like to know is would my handset need to be sent back? If so I've already been paying the device off during my plan am I entitled to any refunds?

thanks for your help

[AnnS]

Hi @Tonez88 

As with any right to leave this will be without penalty with immediate disconnection that also means no early termination charges or refunds.  The equipment is separate from the airtime agreement and you will be able to keep the phone, if the phone is stll locked, it would be an idea to to get the phone unlocked if possible, before leaving.

However, this is always best avoided, if you return to the UK and decide to take a new contract with Vodafone, this may be difficult.  You can still continue to use the phone abroad but paying roaming charges, I am sure these are minimal at 3.4p per minute for calls and 1p per text message, though data use would be expensive but overcome by using WiFi.

[Tonez88]

So I'd continue to pay for the handset at a reduced rate compared to my current plan should I disconnect?

[AnnS]

Hi @Tonez88 

You continue to pay the usual monthly line rental plus the additional extra roaming charges.

[Tonez88]

Sorry I meant if I terminate my contract what happens to my handset? Option to hand back, pay in full or...?

[donnyguy]

Hey there,

That's a really good question and let me check my understanding... 

- You have a deal with a handset

- Vodafone have offered to waive your early termination fee if you end early due to changes in their roaming policy

Does the letter you've received give you a ring fenced number (or other contact route) to reach them on as it would be worth getting official clarification. I've always assumed that you simply hand the phone back and that's the end of it but from your point, they're the ones changing the rules so if you've been paying towards the cost of the device as part of your deal, you make a fair point around they should offer a solution.

Out of interest, where do you roam? Just wondering what specifically has changed as, from a terms and conditions perspective, they've always had the rules in place relating to 'free roaming' where they could charge if you were deemed to be a more permanent roamer - they just never had.

I suppose with the uncertainty of Brexit etc, this might be why they're tightening up / enforcing their roaming rules. 

[Tonez88]

• 

   I roaming in Isle of man but back and fourth with my job. But with covid kinda stuck here atm. Have been since July.

• I went onto live chat yesterday and apparently I get to keep the phone. Will be giving a call this afternoon as I have a few hours spare. Will update.

[donnyguy]

Definitely be interested to see how this plays out...

There'll be a lot of people out there in a similar situation.

Wish you good luck!

[Tonez88]

So. In 30 days time I'm no longer a Vodafone Pay Monthly Customer.

Pay and go instead... oh and I get to keep my S20 Ultra which in 5 months including my data plan has cost me £395... Good saving huh.

Phone is unlocked as standard it seems as I have a dual sim from a Manx network in as well and it works fine. Explore my options but it seems most networks going the same route with this roaming business.