O2 and Virgin Mobile customers will maintain inclusive roaming in Europe, going against the industry trend of reimposing them.
The UK’s departure from the European Union means that firms can now reimpose the fees.
“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, Mobile, at Virgin Media O2. “Unlike all the other major mobile networks who are bringing back roaming fees, we will not be following suit.”
Virgin Media analysis of daily charge rates from other providers suggests that a family of four going abroad for two weeks could see £100 or more added to their holiday bill when using their phones each day.
Other networks, including EE and Vodafone, are bringing them back this month – while Three will reintroduce them in May.