With just days to go, the European Parliament approved Boris Johnson‘s Brexit deal to the delight of Brexiter MEPS and the chagrin of their pro-European colleagues.

Brexit day itself – Friday 31 January – will be like any other, spare a few commemorative activities, as the real changes will come into play once the transition period ends on December 31, 2020.

The transition period refers to the coming 12 months, where Britain will remain in the EU customs union and single market, while it agrees on a trade deal with the EU.

Details will emerge over the coming months about the changes we can expect to see from 2021, but in the meantime, we look at the future of EU roaming.

So, will you have to pay to use your phone in the EU?


What will happen to EU roaming charges after Brexit?

During the transition period, nothing will change for users so people will be able to use their texts, calls, minutes and data with to their heart’s content – wherever they are in the EU.

However, from January 2021, there is no guarantee this will remain the case.

According to the government’s website: ‘From 1 January 2021, the guarantee of free mobile phone roaming throughout the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will end.’


They advise getting in touch with your mobile phone provider to check their policy, adding that a new law will come into place which means people will be alerted when their charges reach £45.

After the transition period, it will essentially be down to individual providers to decide whether or not they set charges.

This is what providers have said so far, although their positions may be subject to change in future:

EE

‘Our customers enjoy inclusive roaming in Europe and we have no plans to change this based on the Brexit outcome.’

Vodafone

‘Vodafone has no plans to change our roaming charges because of Brexit.’

O2

‘We currently have no plans to change our roaming services across Europe. We will be working closely with the UK government and other European mobile operators to try to maintain the current EU ‘Roam like at home’ arrangements once the UK leaves the EU.’

Three

‘Three is the global leader in international roaming and now offers roaming at no extra cost for its customers in over 70 destinations including Brazil, Singapore, the US and Australia. We’re committed to eradicating excessive roaming charges and will retain this great customer benefit regardless of Brexit negotiations allowing our custom.’