Are Plusnet's 'UK only' plans legal in EU law?

MarkBargain

I had understood that we could all now roam in the EU and not pay additional charges. However, I noted that Plusnet's cheaper plans are marked 'UK only' whereas the more expensive plans are 'Roam like at home'. I asked them in their chat feature whether UK only plans can be used in the EU and was told no. Is that legal? Surely firms can't get round the new EU law (https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-roaming-calls#euban) like that?

pmduk

A company can choose whether or not to offer roaming. Many people never activate roaming on their accounts in the first place. It may be that plusnet's UK only plans are offered to people with a lower credit status - but NB this is purely guesswork. Some networks will require a further credit check for roaming.

What would be illegal would be to offer roaming and then to charge for EU roaming

[Deleted User]

Of course it's legal as they state plainly what it is you're getting (the £5 plans only btw). 3 do exactly the same on their Essentials plans.

MarkBargain

It seems to be a matter of cost, the £5 plans are UK only and more expensive ones allow roaming.

https://www.plus.net/mobile/plans/sim-only/

I had never heard before of a company blocking roaming, and can only assume they have brought this in to avoid the new EU rules, which I take from your post they are able to do.

MarkBargain

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

Of course it's legal as they state plainly what it is you're getting (the £5 plans only btw). 3 do exactly the same on their Essentials plans.

Three Essential plans allow roaming according to Three's website:

"Using your phone abroad at no extra cost with Feel At Home Around the World is not included on our Essential Plans but you can still enjoy Feel At Home in Europe, covering 48 European destinations."

I just double-checked with Three online chat and confirmed Essential plans can be used as normal in the EU.

[Deleted User]

MarkBargain wrote: »

Three Essential plans allow roaming according to Three's website:

"Using your phone abroad at no extra cost with Feel At Home Around the World is not included on our Essential Plans but you can still enjoy Feel At Home in Europe, covering 48 European destinations."

I just double-checked with Three online chat and confirmed Essential plans can be used as normal in the EU.

I checked their website a couple of days ago and I'm certain that they didn't differentiate between Europe and the rest of the world, they must have updated it very recently. (unless I just missed that bit entirely )

d123

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

I checked their website a couple of days ago and I'm certain that they didn't differentiate between Europe and the rest of the world, they must have updated it very recently. (unless I just missed that bit entirely )

It's been there since the 15th

d123

MarkBargain wrote: »

I had understood that we could all now roam in the EU and not pay additional charges. However, I noted that Plusnet's cheaper plans are marked 'UK only' whereas the more expensive plans are 'Roam like at home'. I asked them in their chat feature whether UK only plans can be used in the EU and was told no. Is that legal? Surely firms can't get round the new EU law (https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-roaming-calls#euban) like that?

Probably worth having a read of the EU guidelines.

Specifically:

Other contracts

Operators may also offer contracts without roaming services or specifically designed alternative roaming contracts with tariffs which fall outside the scope of the roam like at home rules (for example if you roam outside the EU) but these types of options must be specially chosen by the customer.

As mobile operators are free to offer cheaper rates, you should shop around to find the best value and offer to fit your specific needs.

http://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/consumers/telecoms-internet/mobile-roaming-costs/index_en.htm

PHK

Judging by the number of threads. Many people don't know what the new EU regulations actually say. In think this is the fault of the media (and sites like this) that gave a superficial expansion of things. As they do with most things nowadays.

pmduk

Sometimes people just read what they want to see in an article rather that what is there and what is missing from the information.

MarkBargain

PHK wrote: »

Judging by the number of threads. Many people don't know what the new EU regulations actually say. In think this is the fault of the media (and sites like this) that gave a superficial expansion of things. As they do with most things nowadays.

Marketing too, eg on uSwitch today it states:

Why choose Plusnet?

• Inclusive roaming in 52 locations
  All Plusnet Mobile SIM only customers can use their UK data, calls and text message allowances in 52 locations for no extra charge.