Inadvertent Roaming
Introduction
When you are near the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland, your phone may ‘roam’ without your knowledge on to another network. If you do roam on to another network, you will have to pay what they charge. Since early 2006, some mobile phone operators have abolished roaming charges between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and some between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. Whilst certain terms and conditions applies to these offers, this guide is aimed at consumers who may not avail of the abolished charges.
In this guide, you will receive information regarding:
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The steps to take prevent inadvertent roaming
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why roaming occurs
Why does roaming occur?
Roaming generally happens when the signal of a Northern Ireland network is stronger than that of your own network. Your phone may be set to automatically connect to the strongest available signal. Because radio signals do not observe borders, this can happen even if you do not cross the border.
What is ‘inadvertent roaming’?
This is when the signal from a mobile phone is picked up by a different network without your knowledge. This can occur close to an international boundary for example the border between the Republic and Northern Ireland.
If this happens, you will probably have to pay higher call charges. You will also be charged for receiving calls that came from outside the country.
Depending on what mobile phone you use, the screen may display ‘UK' along with the name of the network to which the phone is now connected.
How can I avoid inadvertent roaming?
Disable ‘automatic network selection’ on your mobile handset.
On your mobile phone you can choose to either automatically select a network or manually choose which network to use.
If you disable ‘automatic network selection’, your mobile phone can only connect to a different network if you choose to do so. Consumers should refer to their handset user guide to find out how to change the setting from ‘automatic network selection’ to ‘manual network selection’.
Liability for roaming charges
If your phone is set to ‘automatic network selection’ and it does ‘inadvertently roam’,you must pay the resulting mobile bill.
Consider adopting a price plan that offers discounts on an All-Ireland basis
Some mobile operators now offer ‘tariff plans’ plans that offer discounts and savings on an all-Ireland basis. This may mean that if your mobile does inadvertently roam, the cost of those calls could be reduced. You should make sure that you understand the terms and conditions – for example that your phone will only roam on an affiliated network.
About ComReg
We are responsible for regulating the electronic communications
(telecommunications, radio communications and broadcasting transmission) and
postal sectors
How can I contact ComReg?
You can contact us:
By phone (Locall): *1890 229 668 / 01 804 9668 (09.30am to 5.30pm)
*(Calls to 1890 numbers from landlines are charged at a local call rate, charges from mobile phones may vary depending on your operator)
By fax: 01 804 9680
By email: consumerline@comreg.ie
By post: ComReg Consumer Team
Irish Life Centre
Block DEF
Lower Abbey Street
Dublin 1
Our websites are: www.comreg.ie/ www.askcomreg.ie / www.callcosts.ie
Contacting other Consumer Organisations
Click here for information regarding contacting other organisations
Legal disclaimer
We prepared this document from a variety of sources. While we took reasonable care to prepare it, we do not accept any responsibility for any loss or damage anyone may suffer by using any of this information.
