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Brexit - Roaming After We Leave
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InfamousTeal
25-06-2016
So, following yesterday's decision to leave the EU, what do we think that'll mean in the world of mobile?

I had a quick look at Swisscom, and see they're now offering free data roaming in EU countries, despite them not being in the EU themselves!

Perhaps that'll mean our current roaming deals can stay? Although with the total ban on roaming charges within the EU coming next year, that won't affect us, so maybe there'll still be a small charge for us?
Gigabit
25-06-2016
If we're in the Common Market, we'll have the free roaming. If we're not, we won't. I think it's as simple as that.
Mark39London
25-06-2016
Not sure, but it will be at least 2 years, so the phone operators have plenty of time to find a solution (if needed).
BKM
25-06-2016
Originally Posted by Gigabit:
“If we're in thge Common Market, we'll have the free roaming. If we're not, we won't. I think it's as simple as that.”

Apparently free roaming is an EU "directive" - not a law - so won't be covered by free trade discussions.

Of course in two years time people will be so used to it it would be hard to bring back EU roaming in the UK (hopefully!)

Of course t could end up like Switzerland which most mobile firms count as "included in their EU tariffs" - but NOT all!
moox
25-06-2016
I think the way things are going, roaming costs are going to be the least of our worries...
Stig
25-06-2016
Just checking the EE website, Norway is covered by roaming even though it isn't in the EU.
Gigabit
25-06-2016
With Vodafone including it for free in 24 month contracts, they're going to have a tough time getting out of that.

I doubt the other networks will just give up because it's a pretty big USP for Vodafone if they do...
d123
25-06-2016
Originally Posted by Stig:
“Just checking the EE website, Norway is covered by roaming even though it isn't in the EU.”

Going into the EFTA would probably be the best alternative economically (and as the UK was a founder member of the EFTA, hopefully it's on the table).
BKM
25-06-2016
Originally Posted by Stig:
“Just checking the EE website, Norway is covered by roaming even though it isn't in the EU.”

Also from the EE website they appear NOT to count Switzerland in their "EU Roaming rates" - while most other operators do!!! It looks like £1/minute for EE
Roush
25-06-2016
The roaming is EU law. It is also implemented in the EEA member states who aren't EU members as the EEA members have agreed to mirror EU law in certain areas.

We would need to retain EEA membership to keep access to controlled roaming costs.
Roush
25-06-2016
Originally Posted by BKM:
“Also from the EE website they appear NOT to count Switzerland in their "EU Roaming rates" - while most other operators do!!! It looks like £1/minute for EE”

As per my post above, it's because Switzerland is not a member of the EEA.
Mark Smith
25-06-2016
We will be in the EU probably until the autumn of 2018, so will have over a year of free European roaming. After that mobile operators are no longer obliged to provide free roaming unless we join the EEA, but may choose to do so through fear of losing customers if they don't.

So good old market forces may well decide its future.
Richard_T
25-06-2016
Originally Posted by BKM:
“Also from the EE website they appear NOT to count Switzerland in their "EU Roaming rates" - while most other operators do!!! It looks like £1/minute for EE”


Quote:
“As per my post above, it's because Switzerland is not a member of the EEA.”

Thats all very well looking at using a UK phone in a non EU country, but when the UK leaves then what?
How much does it cost a Swiss mobile phone user to use their phone in the EU? what about a Norwegian using their phone in the EU?
Roush
25-06-2016
Originally Posted by Richard_T:
“Thats all very well looking at using a UK phone in a non EU country, but when the UK leaves then what?”

If we don't retain EEA membership then it will be the same as what we had before the EU started controlling roaming costs. The networks will be able to charge whatever they want again.
TTTV
25-06-2016
Originally Posted by BKM:
“Also from the EE website they appear NOT to count Switzerland in their "EU Roaming rates" - while most other operators do!!! It looks like £1/minute for EE”

Euro Talk & Text and the EuroPass valid for Switzerland..
BKM
26-06-2016
Originally Posted by Roush:
“As per my post above, it's because Switzerland is not a member of the EEA.”

So what? As per my post above MANY (most?) other mobile firms include Switzerland in their EU rates even so!
Mark in Essex
26-06-2016
Originally Posted by moox:
“I think the way things are going, roaming costs are going to be the least of our worries...”

Yes.

I've heard armageddon is on the cards.
jonmorris
26-06-2016
Originally Posted by Mark in Essex:
“Yes.

I've heard armageddon is on the cards.”

Makes a change from ITV4.
Roush
26-06-2016
Originally Posted by BKM:
“So what? As per my post above MANY (most?) other mobile firms include Switzerland in their EU rates even so!”

I was only pointing out that they can charge what they like for Switzerland.
Faust
26-06-2016
Originally Posted by moox:
“I think the way things are going, roaming costs are going to be the least of our worries...”

Absolutely correct - the mess that's about to befall us then cans and long pieces of string will be the order of the day - thank you Boris & Co.
david16
26-06-2016
Prices will just soar out of hand in over 2 years time.

1GB of data costing £35 per month would be horrific, all because people were conned into voting leave by both Boris Johnston and Nigel Farage's constant lies.
de525ma
26-06-2016
Off topic, but to me this actually feels like bereavement. It's bizarre. Scotland won't stay either, which, to me is very sad but I would find it very difficult to argue for the UK now.

W.r.t. roaming, I guess it depends on the deal we make. Though I think there should have been some idea of what this deal entailed before the referendum.

It may be the case that we force operators to implement free EU roaming in an effort to remain competitive as a way of holding on to international business in this country.
omnidirectional
26-06-2016
I think it's quite likely we will remain part of the EEA, even though that will face severe opposition from the more hardcore Brexiters as it will involve retaining freedom of movement. There will rightly be a lot of pressure from banks and business to stay in the single market.
MTUK1
26-06-2016
Originally Posted by david16:
“Prices will just soar out of hand in over 2 years time.

1GB of data costing £35 per month would be horrific, all because people were conned into voting leave by both Boris Johnston and Nigel Farage's constant lies.”

Nonsense.
Gigabit
26-06-2016
Originally Posted by MTUK1:
“Nonsense.”

It's a little bit of hyperbole but I don't see the carriers keeping it free somehow.
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