EU and EEA benefit from using mobile data without extra charges during travelling

Wednesday, July 12, 2023

The Commission’s Eurobarometer survey on Roaming shows that over 81% of EU residents who have travelled in the last two years, are aware of and benefit from calling, texting and using mobile data, without incurring extra charges when travelling in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

According to the survey, 72% of respondents travel only once or twice per year and 28% travel more frequently. 71% of all respondents, find that the SMS, which they receive when crossing a border, with personalised pricing information and information about emergency communications, is useful.

More than 80% of respondents confirm that roaming data allowances, which are subject to some limits known as ‘fair use policy’, are sufficient to cover their needs when travelling, be it for leisure, work or study.

Still, to avoid surcharges, a considerable number of roamers limit their data consumption, or switch off data roaming or their mobile phone. 49% do so occasionally during their stay. Therefore, awareness of roaming benefits can still improve.

The findings will feed into the Commission’s review of the ‘Fair use policy’ rules, which ensure that operators can sustainably offer mobile data services at domestic prices to their consumers when they travel.

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