This article covers how your mobile device may accidentally connect to a network outside of your plan, in the UK and/or abroad, and what you can do about it.
If you connect to a non-UK network, you may incur a daily access charge for using chargeable services (calls, texts, or data) depending on your plan.
In the UK
In coastal regions, and sometimes further inland, under unusual radio conditions, your mobile device might connect to a non-UK network - from France, The Channel Islands, The Isle of Man, or maritime networks on cruise ships.
Avoid accidental roaming
The simplest way is to disable roaming or avoid using chargeable services when connected to a roaming network. You can:
- Turn off automatic network selection and manually select EE as your network
- Disable data roaming (avoids any data charges)
- If you notice you’re connected to an unusual network i.e. you get a text welcoming you to a country– don’t make or answer any calls while your phone is connected to that network.
Outside the UK
You might be in a location with inclusive roaming on your plan (like the EU) but near a location where mobile services are not included. For example, in Cyprus, you might connect to a Turkish network if you’re close to the border in Northern Cyprus. Charges will vary when connecting to different networks.
Avoid accidental roaming outside the UK
If you’re in the EU, enable EU-only roaming only by texting ROAMEU to 150. This will prevent you from connecting to any non-EU mobile network.