EE brings back roaming charges in Europe after Brexit
New UK customers will pay extra from January
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.EE is to bring back roaming charges for new UK customers who use their phones in Europe from January.
It is the first mobile operator to make changes to how UK consumers are charged on the continent since the EU trade deal was struck last year.
The move comes despite EE insisting – along with other networks in January this year – that they had no plans to change terms after Brexit.
Mobile networks in EU countries cannot charge customers extra to use their phones in other parts of the bloc – an agreement that was reached in 2017.
Customers who join or upgrade with EE from 7 July will be charged £2 a day to use their allowances in 47 European countries. The charges will not apply in the Republic of Ireland.
For their £2 charge users will get access to their full data, minutes and text allowance.
Travellers can also pay £10 for a 30-day “roam abroad pass”.
On Wednesday O2 said that it will add a “fair use” restriction so that customers who use more than 25 gigabytes of data while in Europe will pay £3.50 for each further gigabyte they use.
However, this is distinct from roaming charges and fair use limits were an option for mobile operators when Britain was still part of the EU.
EE said that it will use the extra money generated from the charges to “support investment into our UK based customer service and leading UK network”.
Ernest Doku, from comparison site Uswitch, said that it was “hugely disappointing” that the situation after Brexit had changed.
“In the aftermath of Brexit, the UK’s biggest mobile providers all said that they had no immediate plans to change their charging models for consumers roaming within the EU.
“It’s hugely disappointing for consumers to see that situation change so quickly.
He speculated that other major networks could make similar changes.
“Unfortunately, when one provider makes such a bold decision it can mean that others follow, so we’ll be watching to see what O2, Vodafone and Three do next.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments