Commenting on plans announced by Three to add new destinations to its ‘Feel at Home’ package, Ernest Doku, telecoms expert at Uswitch.com, says: “With EU roaming charges set to be scrapped from 15 June, we’re in the midst of a flurry of announcements from providers setting out their stall before the changes kick in.
“With today’s news, Three – who first launched its Feel at Home ‘free roaming’ package back in 2013 – looks keen to defend its territory by adding two more destinations, Singapore and Brazil.
“This not only addresses the concern of bill shock in some countries that offered the biggest threat of potentially eye-watering roaming charges, but is a notable step up on what is essentially a commitment from other providers to follow the word of the law.
“The challenge will be how quickly they can negotiate deals in other countries and if they can do this before the competition catches up; that is, if affordable or free roaming is to be the new battleground amongst providers looking to step up and stand out.
“But what really stands out here is Three’s promise to lower international calling charges for Pay As You Go customers to just 3p a minute in 20 countries. These often extortionate fees charged by providers can quickly chomp through allowances or bundles, acting as the nudge for consumers to remove that much needed cap.
“If Three can keep reducing their roaming rates while also extending the number of destinations covered, this could be a seriously competitive move in a market where differentiation is key.
“For mobile customers travelling further afield this summer, it’s worth paying particularly close attention to what your provider offers by way of roaming charges outside of the EU.
“After all, our recent research found that almost a quarter (24%) of mobile users have returned home from holiday to be hit with a sizeable bill, with the average overspend being £52.
“Of course, there are still question marks over whether Brexit will materially impact mobile users’ ability to roam for free in the EU from 15 June – but as it stands, Three’s increasingly beefed-up roaming package is a cut above the rest.”
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Claire Jones
Phone: 020 7148 4663
Email: Claire.Jones@uswitch.com
Twitter: @uswitchPR
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