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Roaming charges at sea

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Add_15261
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Roaming charges at sea

I just received a bill from three for €44 roaming data charges. This was when I was travelling on a ferry from Ireland to Uk for 2 hours. Three never advised me that these charges apply/rates higher. I had no idea that the rates were higher or that I was connected to a different network. Has this happened to anyone else? Is there anything I can do? Thanks 

23 REPLIES 23

Thanks @Stephen_69676, I can understand your frustrations with the situation and sorry to hear you are considering leaving Three however the only way to guarantee that your device won't access data once outside of the EU is by having data roaming turned off on the device. We would also have the option to bar roaming on the account if requested by a customer however on the device this would need to be done manually. 

Why would you want to bar roaming? In case you might get charged for something that could be sneaky? That's like saying don't leave your house if you want to reduce the chances of getting cold.  Three have decided that being on a ferry is outside the EU which is ludicrous. The only way to ensure your customers are not liable for these outrageous charges is not to turn roaming off, but to WARN CUSTOMERS CLEARLY that this may happen, and to ALERT THEM ON THEIR DEVICES instead of switching them automatically onto a service they should not go near. Again, sharp practice and it's one of things you will continue to do until the EU or Comreg steps in to stop you.  And I'm not considering leaving 3 - I've put an alarm on my phone to go off the day before my contract expires, to cancel all 5 numbers. No considering. And I'll be letting everyone I know, know about this, through social media. 

Thanks @Stephen_69676, the reason I mention barring is because as a customer you have the option to bar roaming from your account or you can also do this on your device too. These Maritime charges wouldn't be Three specific and would happen across all networks as you are connecting to a satellite network when on a ferry so this is why I am helping you with steps to prevent this in the future as changing network wouldn't stop you connecting to these services. 

It's not transparent Niall. It's opportunistic. I am not on my own here. Reminder set, thanks and bye bye.