Recently-merged Virgin Mobile and O2 on Monday said their mobile phone customers would not face European Union roaming charges after rivals broke pledges and reintroduced them after Brexit.
The move means those on Virgin Media and O2 tariffs will be able to use their mobile data and make calls and texts on the same deal as they have in the UK.
Vodafone, EE and Three have all said they will charge roaming fees from this year, despite statements before Britain’s departure from the EU at the end of 2020 that they would not do so.
The 27-member bloc removed roaming charges in 2017 on competition grounds after consumers complained of exorbitant charges by mobile operators.
Virgin Media O2 – the company that now owns the Virgin Mobile and O2 networks – said a family of four going abroad for two weeks could see an extra £100 on their bill, based on analysis of rates from other providers.
“We’re starting the year by giving our customers some certainty: we will not be reintroducing roaming fees in Europe for customers on O2 or Virgin Mobile,” said Gareth Turpin, chief commercial officer.
Vodafone plans to bring back roaming charges at the end of January, while EE will do so in March and Three in May.
Customers who joined or upgraded with EE after 7 July 7 2021 face a £2 daily roaming charge in EU countries, while Vodafone will charge the same fee for people who joined the network after August 11 or upgraded or renewed their contract.
EE customers will have the option to buy a 30-day roaming pass for £10 and Vodafone users able to pay £1 a day for an eight or 15-day pass.
Three will bring in a £2 daily charge for people who joined or upgraded after October 1, 2021.
