Phone firm shuns roaming fees for customers
Virgin Media O2 phone users will not face roaming charges this year after other networks announced the extra fee.
Two of the UK's four biggest networks – EE and Vodafone – are both reintroducing roaming charges for customers travelling to Europe in this month, with Three set to reintroduce them in May.
However, customers on both O2 and Virgin Mobile deals will continue to maintain their inclusive roaming in the region, so they can travel and use their data, calls and texts just as they would in the UK.
Gareth Turpin, of Virgin Media O2, said: "We're starting the year by giving our customers some certainty.
"We will not be reintroducing roaming fees in Europe for customers.
"Unlike all the other major mobile networks who are bringing back roaming fees, we will not be following suit.”
The return of roaming fees follows the UK's departure from the EU.
Customers who joined or upgraded with EE after July 7, 2021, face a £2 daily charge for using their data, making calls, or sending text messages in EU countries.
The same fee will apply to Vodafone customers who joined the network after August 11, 2021, or upgraded or renewed their contract.
Three will bring in the £2 daily charge on May 23, applicable to customers who joined the network or upgraded after October 1, 2021.
Sue Davies, who is the head of consumer protection policy at Which?, said: “As the UK continues to negotiate trade deals, it should take the opportunity to lower the cost of roaming for consumers travelling around the world.”