Roaming charge fears post Brexit

CONCERNS that mobile roaming charges may be re-introduced after Brexit, raising costs for phone users along the border, emerged again this week.

Amid the maelstrom of changes that may or may not take affect after Britain leaves the EU at the end of next month, the current ‘free roaming’ arrangement may be at risk.

Since 2017, mobile phone companies have been banned from charging customers travelling within the EU extra fees to use their allowed minutes, texts and data.

This included the UK and Northern Ireland, meaning that cross border phone usage became cheaper

But Louth TD, Declan Breathnach raised concerns that under a no deal Brexit, these rules might no longer apply.

‘Here in Louth and the wider border region, any return to roaming charges would be grossly unfair .’

Speaking during a Dail debate last week, he sought clarification from Minister Richard Bruton to ‘ensure that he will do all in his power to prevent the return of roaming charges post Brexit.’

Deputy Breathnach explained how important the issue is to mobile users along the border.

‘Inadvertent roaming happens all the time in the border region and indeed just north of where I live where the phone signal which is the strongest at any time is the one which your phone connects to.’

‘I would not wish to see mobile phone bills increase unfairly after Brexit for those living in the border area.’

He added: ‘ This is just another example of the lack of consideration shown to those residing in the border region both north and south. The UK is currently a member of the EU Digital Single Market, but post 29th March if Britain leaves with no deal, this membership will cease.’

‘Both Governments need to ensure that free roaming is maintained on the island of Ireland and indeed between Ireland and the UK after Brexit.

‘ While I am aware that most of the large mobile service providers have stated that they have no plans to introduce roaming fees, we need to have this set in stone so that people will not need to worry about accidental roaming. We need fairness for all.’