3 sees call volumes soar since slashing roaming charges

3’s UK customers have made more than twice as many calls from 3 Like Home countries since international roaming charges were reduced in January. 3 Like Home lets customers use their existing talk and text bundles when visiting countries with 3 sister networks, and abolishes costs for receiving calls, slashing mobile bills for holidaymakers.

Since 3 Like Home was introduced with no opt in requirement, 3 customers have become increasingly chatty when using their mobile abroad, with the average call length rising by 40% from 1minute 47 to 2 minutes 30, and calls per customer increasing by 60%.

The news comes just days before the European Parliament votes on the capping rate for roaming charges across Europe. With mobile usage abroad currently adding £230 million to holidaymakers’ phone bills, the new ruling could see the cost of international calls reduced by 40%. The final regulation is expected to be agreed by the Telecoms Council on the 7th June, ready for implementation this Summer.

18 million UK holidaymakers will pack their mobile phones when they travel abroad this summer and the success of 3 Like Home demonstrates the positive impact the EU Regulation could have in giving customers a better deal.

With 3 Like Home all customers visiting Ireland, Italy, Austria, Australia, Hong Kong, Sweden and Denmark automatically take advantage of being on one of 3’s sister networks and use their existing minutes, text and data bundles to make voice and video calls, send texts, picture and video messages, and even surf the internet while abroad without accruing any additional charges. It also ensures customers aren’t charged for receiving calls when abroad – a practice that has led to many people opting to keep their mobiles switched off while abroad to avoid expensive charges.

John Penberthy-Smith, marketing director at 3, commented: “We believe that using your phone when you are abroad should be like using it when you’re at home – 3 Like Home is making a difference to the market and its success proves that our customers agree.”