Vodafone UK and EE have decided to delay the reintroduction of roaming charges in the EU, the first by three weeks and the second until March, the BBC reported. Both operators had planned to start charging the fees this month. Vodafone said it needs more time for testing.
EE announced in June that it would bring back roaming charges amid the UK’s exit from the EU. The operator said it would charge GBP 2 per day from January for customers to roam at domestic rates in Europe. The charges would start applying to new or upgrading customers from 07 July 2021.
Vodafone made its announcement about roaming charges in August, saying charges would apply for customers on certain plans. 3 UK said in September that it would bring back charges, but from May 2022, also at GBP 2 per day. So far, O2 has not disclosed any plans.
"We have pushed back the introduction of roaming charges to the end of January, giving time for further testing to ensure the best possible experience for customers purchasing our GBP 1 per day bundles. Until then, customers will continue to be able to roam without charges," Vodafone told the BBC. The GBP 1 per day charge is Vodafone's best price, and only applies when taken in an 8- or 15-day bundle.
EE said the shift in its plans was caused by unspecified technical delays.
