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September 13, 2021
Virgin Media O2 is the last remaining MNO yet to reintroduce charges
Three UK is reintroducing roaming charges to its users.
Customers using their network abroad will now have to pay a daily fee to use contracted data, minutes and texts.
After EE became the first MNO to make the change in June, Three said it had no plans to reintroduce the charges. This stance from the network was reiterated after Vodafone became the second network to reintroduce the controversial charges.
This leaves Virgin Media O2 as the only major UK MNO remaining that hasn’t reintroduced roaming charges.
Countries in the European Union will now require a £2 per day charge while other Go Roam territories including Hong Kong and the USA will charge users £5 per day.
The changes will come into play on May 23, 2022, but customers who have signed a contract before October 1, 2021, will be exempt.
The network says it will set a daily cap at £45, so customers won’t overspend.
A Three spokesperson said, “The new charge ensures that customers are clear on what they will pay when using their phone in another country and only those who roam will pay for the service. It will also ensure that we can continue investing in our UK network.”
Uswitch.com mobiles expert Ernest Doku said: “It’s less than three months since EE became the first major network to reintroduce roaming charges for customers visiting the EU, but the situation has dramatically changed since.
“The news that Three is set to join EE and Vodafone means that three of the UK’s four biggest networks are now asking their customers to pay a fee for access to data and minutes they have already paid for when abroad.
“It’s particularly surprising that Three have gone down this route, given their reputation for generous roaming allowances and winning the Uswitch award for their ‘Go Roam’ service for two years running.
“From May next year, new Three customers and those upgrading after October 1 will have to pay £2 a day to use their mobile phone in the EU.
“If you’re an existing Three customer, these charges won’t affect you immediately, but make sure you check the small print if you’re due an upgrade in the coming months.
“When it comes to travelling, don’t leave it until the last minute to check the roaming charges for your destination, and use hotel and cafe Wi-Fi when on holiday where possible, but make sure any public access points are safe and secure before logging on.”
