Have you joined the eurotariff?

Commenting on networks’ introduction of the new EU capped roaming tariff, Rob Barnes, head of mobiles at moneysupermarket.com said: “It is disappointing to see that some of the major networks have left it until the very last minute to introduce Eurotariffs. Vodafone, Virgin and T-Mobile are all introducing the new tariff at the end of August, meaning the majority of their customers will still be paying a higher rate on their holidays this year. 3 has also set a deadline for the end of August, however it is the only provider offering rates at the lower end of the cap.

“Orange and O2 have been fairer to their customers, allowing them to benefit from the capped tariff earlier. Their customers have to act now and accept the offer as soon as possible, otherwise, they will also continue to be charged at a higher rate when they go on holiday this summer. For all networks, those customers that fail to reply and accept the offer will not benefit until 30th September when they will be automatically switched over, long after the summer holiday season.

“Once a customer makes a request for the new rates, networks legally have up to 30 days to activate the tariff. That said, the networks have indicated that they will not take this long, with Vodafone in particular saying no notice is needed to transfer its customers immediately.

“It is no surprise that all of the networks, apart from 3, have set the new rates at the ceiling of the cap. Hopefully others will follow 3’s example and reduce their tariffs over time. In the meantime before you set off on your summer holiday, you should contact your network directly to see what it can offer you.”