- Written by Russell Quddus - Account Director Mobile
- Connect with Russell on LinkedIn
Since the UK exited the EU, businesses have had to reconsider how their mobile communications operate when employees travel abroad. Roaming protections once guaranteed under EU law no longer apply, and this has reopened the risk of unexpected charges while using mobile services in Europe.
What changed after Brexit for UK businesses?
Prior to Brexit, UK businesses benefited from the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regulations, which meant calls, texts, and data were priced the same in the EU as in the UK. As of January 2021, these regulations no longer cover UK mobile users. UK mobile networks can now reintroduce roaming charges, and many have done so which results in excessive mobile bill increases commonly known as bill shock.
Even more critically, protections such as automatic usage alerts, bill caps, and real-time spend notifications that were once mandatory under EU rules are now optional. Businesses must now rely on individual provider policies, which vary widely, and spending caps and notifications are not set up as default.
As a result, it’s now down to the business to take ownership of implementing their own controls to prevent overspending, particularly during high-traffic travel seasons or for employees who rely heavily on mobile data.
What are UK mobile networks charging now?
UK mobile networks have adopted varying approaches to EU roaming charges post-Brexit and many businesses only discover this once excessive mobile bills are received. In many cases, employees assume roaming remains free and continue using data services without restriction, unaware that roaming daily fees are being triggered.
Major mobile providers generally charge daily fees for EU roaming, typically ranging from £2 to £6 per day. Some continue to offer free roaming under certain legacy plans, while others apply charges unless specific add-ons are used. Fair use data caps may apply, and exceeding these limits can result in extra charges or reduced service. It’s also worth noting that these daily charges are usually applied per device/per day, so businesses with field teams or travelling consultants can see costs multiply quickly across multiple users. The Opus VIP tariff provides an inclusive roaming solution.
Budget and virtual providers tend to offer more generous or cost-effective roaming options. Some include free EU roaming with data caps ranging from 5 GB to 30 GB, while others extend free roaming for a fixed period. Most operate under fair use policies that vary widely by provider and plan.
However, fair use policies are often buried in terms and conditions, and exceeding them may trigger out-of-bundle rates that quickly escalate, especially when roaming in multiple EU countries within a short period.
Strategies to help businesses manage roaming costs
Choose the right provider & plan
Opt for networks that offer inclusive EU roaming if your employees travel frequently. Ensure you evaluate fair use policies and data caps to avoid unexpected charges. The Opus VIP tariff offers all-inclusive EU and international roaming. Additionally, negotiate business-specific tariffs that reflect your roaming requirements as some enterprise-level contracts allow for pooled roaming data across users, minimising overage risks.
Set spending alerts or caps
While automatic caps may no longer be enforced, most providers now offer tools to set custom spending alerts or usage caps. Enabling these features can help prevent bill shock and maintain roaming cost controls. Finance teams should ensure these thresholds align with acceptable usage policies and that alerts are configured to notify both the user and administrator in real time without any delay.
Use Local SIMs or eSIMs
For longer stays or high data needs, local SIM cards or eSIM solutions can offer better value than daily roaming charges. Many services now support eSIMs, which are ideal for frequent international travellers.
Regularly Review Bills
Audit mobile bills on a monthly basis. Spotting roaming cost spikes or any overcharges early enables quick correction and avoids disputes over large amounts.
Useful tips for managing EU roaming post-Brexit
EU roaming charges after Brexit have become a significant consideration for UK businesses with travelling staff. With the loss of EU-wide protections, companies must proactively manage mobile usage to avoid high fees. Choosing the right provider, understanding fair use limits, setting alerts, and regularly auditing usage are all key steps in controlling costs and keeping operations efficient.
As part of a wider mobility strategy, IT and procurement teams need to work in close collaboration to enforce travel-specific mobile policies, build awareness among users, and evaluate new technologies like multi-network eSIMs and mobile expense automation tools.
Proactive mobile management today can prevent costly and unnecessary bill shock in the future. Get in touch to speak to one of our mobile consultants today to discuss your roaming requirements or find out more about our market leading, VIP international roaming tariff.
