Starting today, new regulations have been introduced to protect phone users from unexpected charges while using their devices abroad. These rules aim to ensure mobile providers notify customers when they begin roaming, inform them of fair usage limits, advise on setting spend caps, and provide guidance on where to find more information.
After Brexit, a law requiring operators to alert customers of roaming charges was established but expired in June 2022. A review by the telecom regulator Ofcom found that since then, the information provided has been “inconsistent and unclear,” with nearly 20% of holidaymakers unaware they could incur extra charges.
Sue Davies, head of consumer protection at Which?, stated that the new rules should help reduce unexpected bills, though she expressed disappointment that they don’t include compensation for those who unknowingly face roaming fees.
Ernest Doku, a telecom expert from Uswitch.com, noted that while the new rules are helpful, they won’t stop providers from imposing high roaming costs. He highlighted that Britons were charged an unexpected £539 million in roaming fees last year.
