UK mobile customers will now have better protection against unexpected roaming charges, both at home and abroad, thanks to new Ofcom rules that come into effect today.

Since the UK left the European Union, the EU’s "roam like at home" regulations and UK laws requiring mobile operators to notify customers of roaming charges no longer apply. Although many operators have continued sending alerts voluntarily, the new Ofcom rules ensure that all mobile users receive timely notifications when they begin roaming.

From today, mobile providers must offer clear and accessible information to help customers make informed choices about using their phones abroad. This includes details on potential roaming charges, such as:

• Any applicable fair use or time limits,
• The option to set a spending cap to control costs,
• Where to find additional information on roaming charges.

Inadvertent Roaming

The new rules also address inadvertent roaming, ensuring customers are notified if they unintentionally roam into another network. Providers must:

• Offer clear and accurate advice on avoiding inadvertent roaming, especially in border regions. This may include proactive alerts in areas where inadvertent roaming is common.
• Implement measures to help customers manage or limit their roaming expenses within the UK. For instance, treating mobile usage in Ireland as if it were within the UK.

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