EU regulations which removed mobile roaming charges between EU member states no longer apply in the Ireland / Northern Ireland border region (due to the UK’s exit from the EU). As a result some mobile operators are choosing to charge cross-border customers once again. E.g.

• From 2 August 2021 02 UK customers will be subject to a data Roaming Limit while in the EU before charges are introduced. (Source: O2 in UK, Twitter)
• From January 2021 UK mobile operator EE will introduce charges for UK customers in the EU, however travel into Ireland will be exempt!  (Source: RTE)

It is important to check with your provider to see if new charges are being introduced. Changes to your contract may mean you have a right to exit the contract without having to pay an early termination charge.

Inadvertent roaming occurs when a mobile phone user unknowingly connects to a base station in Northern Ireland while in the Republic of Ireland, and vice versa.  Usually where there is either a poor signal or no coverage from the “home” network. If the phone is in automatic network selection mode, then it will seek another signal. If the signal strength from a network operator across the border is sufficient, the device will roam onto that network to make and receive calls.

• 02 stated in June 2021 that NI customers who live in the border region (and inadvertently roam) should see no changes (or charges). (Source: O2 in UK, Twitter)

You should contact your service provider if you notice roaming charges while at home!

Signal strength checkers:

• North – Ofcom https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/
• South ComReg https://coveragemap.comreg.ie/map

Price comparisons sites:

• North –  Bill Monitor – https://www.billmonitor.com/consumer/
• South – ComReg – https://www.comreg.ie/compare/#/services

Page last checked on 25 June 2021

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.