Brexit - Roaming After We Leave

InfamousTeal · 25-06-2016, 16:14

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, 16:58

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, 17:05

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, 20:39

Quote:

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, 20:47

I think the way things are going, roaming costs are going to be the least of our worries...

Stig · 25-06-2016, 20:55

Just checking the EE website, Norway is covered by roaming even though it isn't in the EU.

Gigabit · 25-06-2016, 21:13

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, 21:13

Quote:

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, 21:34

Quote:

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, 21:38

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, 21:39

Quote:

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, 22:03

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, 22:15

Quote:

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, 22:50

Quote:

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, 22:51

Quote:

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, 00:02

Quote:

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, 00:07

Quote:

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, 00:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark in Essex

Yes.

I've heard armageddon is on the cards.

Makes a change from ITV4.

Roush · 26-06-2016, 01:05

Quote:

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, 09:53

Quote:

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, 10:51

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, 11:18

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, 12:02

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, 13:24

Quote:

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, 13:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTUK1

Nonsense.

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

25-06-2016, 16:14	#1
InfamousTeal Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 303	Brexit - Roaming After We Leave 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?

25-06-2016, 16:58	#2
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	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.

25-06-2016, 17:05	#3
Mark39London Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: London Posts: 3,861	Not sure, but it will be at least 2 years, so the phone operators have plenty of time to find a solution (if needed).

25-06-2016, 20:39	#4
BKM Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,288	Quote: 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!

25-06-2016, 20:47	#5
moox Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 14,645	I think the way things are going, roaming costs are going to be the least of our worries...

25-06-2016, 20:55	#6
Stig Forum Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Sandy Heath, Beds. UK Posts: 10,383	Just checking the EE website, Norway is covered by roaming even though it isn't in the EU.

25-06-2016, 21:13	#7
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	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...

25-06-2016, 21:13	#8
d123 Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3,993	Quote: 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).

25-06-2016, 21:34	#9
BKM Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,288	Quote: 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

25-06-2016, 21:38	#10
Roush Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2,938	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.

25-06-2016, 21:39	#11
Roush Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2,938	Quote: 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.

25-06-2016, 22:03	#12
Mark Smith Forum Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: Norfolk/Suffolk Posts: 2,192	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.

25-06-2016, 22:15	#13
Richard_T Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: East Midlands Posts: 3,842	Quote: 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?

25-06-2016, 22:50	#14
Roush Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2,938	Quote: 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.

25-06-2016, 22:51	#15
TTTV Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: 🇬🇧 Posts: 1,362	Quote: 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..

26-06-2016, 00:02	#16
BKM Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 6,288	Quote: 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!

26-06-2016, 00:07	#17
Mark in Essex Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 3,644	Quote: 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.

26-06-2016, 00:24	#18
jonmorris Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: a land filled with trolls Posts: 12,018	Quote: Originally Posted by Mark in Essex Yes. I've heard armageddon is on the cards. Makes a change from ITV4.

26-06-2016, 01:05	#19
Roush Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 2,938	Quote: 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.

26-06-2016, 09:53	#20
Faust Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: UK Posts: 8,103	Quote: 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.

26-06-2016, 10:51	#21
david16 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Central Belt Posts: 12,290	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.

DS Forums

Brexit - Roaming After We Leave

26-06-2016, 11:18	#22
de525ma Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portsmouth Posts: 787	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.

26-06-2016, 12:02	#23
omnidirectional Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 10,879	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.

26-06-2016, 13:24	#24
MTUK1 Inactive Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: London, United Kingdom Posts: 19,783	Quote: 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.

26-06-2016, 13:31	#25
Gigabit Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 2,887	Quote: Originally Posted by MTUK1 Nonsense. It's a little bit of hyperbole but I don't see the carriers keeping it free somehow.