Mobile firms refuse to rule out return of roaming charges after Brexit

Since 2017, mobile phone firms have been banned from charging you extra fees to use your UK allowance of minutes, texts or (most) data when in the European Union. But once we leave the EU, this will no longer be the case.

If the UK Government agrees a ‘deal’ with the EU before Brexit, then the current mobile roaming rules are expected to continue until the end of 2020 at least. But if the UK leaves without a deal, the Government’s warned roaming charges could return immediately – it will be down to the individual firms to decide.

Now with less than two months to go until the UK exits the EU, a MoneySavingExpert investigation has found only two providers – Three and Smarty, which is owned by Three – have categorically ruled out reintroducing roaming charges after Brexit.

At least 10 firms, who between them are estimated to have at least 85% of UK mobile users as customers, say they have “no plans” to change their roaming policies – but can’t rule out the return of roaming charges.

For full help on cutting the cost of using your mobile abroad, see our Cheap Mobile and Data Roaming guide. And for a rundown of what Brexit means for mortgages, currency, your rights and more, see our 25 Brexit need-to-knows.