O2 UK Launches EU Mobile Roaming “at no extra cost”

Mobile operator O2 has today become the latest to confirm that existing subscribers will, effective from 15th June 2017, be able to use their 2G, 3G or 4G Pay Monthly, Pay As You Go and Business tariff’s inclusive calls, texts and data bundles while travelling around Europe “at no extra cost.”

The change, which reflects the EU’s new telecoms regulation, covers all 47 countries that exist inside O2’s “Europe Zone“. However it should be noted that Guernsey, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland aren’t included for PAYG customers, although they can access these destinations at O2’s standard European rates or via the O2 Travel Bolt On.

Meanwhile Pay As You Go ‘£30 Big Bundle’ customers can only use up to 10GB of their 20GB data allowance while roaming.

Europe Zone’s 47 Countries

Austria, Azores, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar (UK), Greece, Guadeloupe, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madeira, Malta, Martinique, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Reunion Islands, Romania, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin (French), San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and Vatican City. Destinations outside the EU/EEA are also included – Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland.

Customers should expect to receive a text about all this on 15th May 2017 and it’s worth remembering that every operator will need to adopt the measures, much as EE has already done (here). Mind you it remains to be seen whether free EU roaming will survive the on-going Brexit process past 2019.

Separately O2 has also recently launched Wifi Calling, which gives customers the option of making and receiving calls over Wi-Fi even if they can’t connect to the mobile network, and 4G Calling that allows customers to harness clearer calls and better indoor coverage via their 4G network. Mind you only certain devices are currently supported (e.g. iPhone 7 and 7 Plus) and 4G Calling will take time to roll-out (big cities first).