O2 and EE drag their feet, will end roaming charges once new laws come into effect

While some networks are staying one step ahead by agreeing to drop roaming charges across the EU early, others are dragging their feet a bit. Over the last two years, the European Union has been working to abolish mobile network roaming charges across 47 European countries. This law comes into effect in mid-June, which is when we can expect the likes of O2 and EE to finally catch up to the likes of Vodafone and Three.

Vodafone dropped its roaming charges in Europe last month, ahead of the EU's new law change, which will see roaming charges dropped across Europe from the 15th of June. Three has also been proactive in this area, though as an extra, Three customers also face no roaming charges in the US and Australia.

Here's the full list of countries where O2 roaming charges will no longer apply: 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, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, The Netherlands and Vatican City.

From there, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey, Monaco and Switzerland are also included but only to business and pay monthly customers of O2.

The European Union's new anti-roaming law does include some non union-member countries. As a result, it seems likely that the UK will continue to be included after we officially exit the European Union. However, we don't have any official confirmation on that.

KitGuru Says: Nobody likes roaming charges, so it's nice to see them go away for good. Perhaps at some point, our phone plans will carry across more continents.

Become a Patron!