How can Vodafone flout the EU roaming laws?

Hostage

Hi

I recently found out about Vodafone Basics sim only deals which as a supposedly "new user" I'm not allowed to send links here to.

The deals don't seem terrible except for the small print at the bottom of the web page:

Vodafone Basics plans are for use in the UK only. Roaming is unavailable on all Vodafone Basics SIMs as standard.

Surely this isn't allowed?

As Ofcom say (and again I can't include the URL)

"Most consumers travelling within the EU, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein will benefit from the ‘roam like at home’ tariff and will be charged no more than they would pay when using their mobile phone in the UK.

"However, under very strict conditions, some providers may be granted an exemption from the rules. Currently, no provider has been granted such an exemption.

"Providers are also allowed to adopt a fair use policy to prevent abusive or excessive use. However, there are specific rules on when a fair use policy can be applied, and it should generally allow consumers to use their service for periodic travel in the same way they would at home."

eDicky

Those regulations cover roaming within Europe, if and when provided by a network.

indesisiv

What eDicky said.
These SIMs are not covered in those regulations as there is no roaming allowed on them at all.

Frozen_up_north

Why would anyone want to use a Vodafone SIM in the first place?

When you compare their T&Cs, costs, etc. Not to mention complaints, you are likely to go elsewhere.

Sent while roaming in Spain on Three (SIM only)

Hostage

indesisiv wrote: »

What eDicky said.
These SIMs are not covered in those regulations as there is no roaming allowed on them at all.

Thank you both.

System

Unless you need Vodafone coverage, I would avoid.

You can get similar pricing via cashback deals, if you so desire plus have roaming etc.

boatman

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/shop/bundles-and-sims/sim-only-deals/basics/
Here is a link. Somehow doesn't seem right to restrict the coverage..

pmduk

boatman wrote: »

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/shop/bundles-and-sims/sim-only-deals/basics/
Here is a link. Somehow doesn't seem right to restrict the coverage..

Why not? At least they're clear and up front about the restrictions. Many people have never ever used roaming or international services. If they're important to a customer, then choose one of the dozens of alternatives on the market

Three have done the same thing with their sub-brand Smarty.

[Deleted User]

boatman wrote: »

https://www.vodafone.co.uk/shop/bundles-and-sims/sim-only-deals/basics/
Here is a link. Somehow doesn't seem right to restrict the coverage..

pmduk wrote: »

Why not? At least they're clear and up front about the restrictions. Many people have never ever used roaming or international services. If they're important to a customer, then choose one of the dozens of alternatives on the market

Three have done the same thing with their sub-brand Smarty.

It allows them to have a low starting point for sim only deals (£6) for a stripped down service for people who are quite happy with the option. For someone who does need roaming they can pay a little more. It's pure marketing really.

Plusnet (very) briefly did the same but their prices are so low that they just changed them all to 'roam like at home'.

System

pmduk wrote: »

Why not? At least they're clear and up front about the restrictions. Many people have never ever used roaming or international services. If they're important to a customer, then choose one of the dozens of alternatives on the market

Three have done the same thing with their sub-brand Smarty.

Smarty are getting roaming shortly, it was just launched without it.

Vodafone have done this by design plus require that you lock in for a 12 months - No Thanks.

boatman

Here is a link from the EU website where it says companies don't have to offer roaming.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=LEGISSUM%3Al24276

Key Points
"Operators do not have to offer roaming services; however, if they do, they must observe the 'roam like at home' principle and charge users only the domestic rate."