We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.

VoIP on Mobile Contracts and BBM

I'm going to be doing a few chunks of work away in various European countries this year, so am looking to upgrade to a contract smart phone so I can keep in touch while I'm away.

I should have wireless access most of the time, so thought that using VoIP to make free calls via this would be the best option, but I've just noticed on the Vodafone website that their tariffs don't include VoIP and you have to pay extra to use it. I can't find this information on other networks' pages, so can anyone tell me if I'll have to pay extra to use Skype or similar over wireless on o2, Orange, 3 or T-mobile? Or if there's anything else fundamental I've overlooked here?

Also BBM is effectively a free text service between Blackberry users? Is this still the case abroad, or is there a charge for it then?

Many thanks for any help!

Comments

  • If you are on wireless, to be clear I'm talking about Wi-Fi which you would most likely access in hotels, offices etc., then it is nothing to do with Vodafone as you bypass their network and you can do what you like.

    Just make sure you are definitely connected to the Wi-Fi network and not a provider for this, unless you have a good roaming agreement they will charge you a lot for roaming data. BBM works on the same principle, it's data oriented so the same rules apply.
  • Hi oceanpie

    If you were using an Orange phone overseas, you would be charged for any data transferred over the mobile network, including use of services such as Blackberry Messenger. This would be charged at the relevant rate for using data when roaming in that country. Further details of these charges can be found on our website at http://www.orange.co.uk/abroad .

    If you are using your phone connected to a wi-fi network abroad, then there would be no charges incurred from Orange, as our network, or the partner network in that country, would not be being used.

    I hope this helps.

    Darren from Orange Helpers
    Twitter: http://twitter.com/orangehelpers
    Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/OrangeUK
    Official Company Representative
    I am the official company representative of Orange. MSE has given permission for me to post in response to queries about the company, so that I can help solve issues. You can see my name on the companies with permission to post list. I am not allowed to tout for business at all. If you believe I am please report it to forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com This does NOT imply any form of approval of my company or its products by MSE"
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 347.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 251.6K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 451.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 239.5K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 615.4K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.1K Life & Family
  • 252.8K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.