NEWRY and Armagh Sinn Fein MLA Megan Fearon has welcomed a decision by Three mobile network to abolish roaming charges, citing the huge potential savings to those living in border areas. .
She said: “During a recent meeting with mobile communications regulator OFCOM, the number one topic raised by both myself and my colleague Councillor Colman Burns, was that of inadvertent roaming in border areas.
“It is estimated that this was costing consumers up to £300 per year. The practice by mobile communications companies of utilising two tariffs on the island of Ireland has no other motive but the generation of profit at the expense of consumers in border areas, who have no option but to roam.”
Councillor Burns said he hoped other providers would now follow suit.
“For too long people living in South Armagh, and other border areas, have simply been ripped off by mobile phone companies who exploited the artificial border in Ireland,” he stated.
“It is ludicrous that people in this area roam on to an international network when they are a few miles from their homes. The charges incurred for this unavoidable roaming are extortionate and I am delighted to see that Three have taken on board the concerns of people here and rectified this situation. It is now incumbent on the other network providers to do the same.”
Jonathan Rose, Director of Ofcom Northern Ireland, said: “Three’s decision to abolish roaming charges is a boost for customers in Northern Ireland and especially for those who incur inadvertent roaming charges.
“Last year Ofcom carried out research that showed these roaming charges can cost consumers in border areas up to an estimated £300 in additional charges per year, with those living in South Armagh and South Down worst affected.
“In this context, Three’s decision to abolish roaming charges for customers roaming in seven countries, including the UK and the Republic of Ireland, is welcome.
“This will benefit Three UK customers living in border areas, as well as those travelling in the Republic of Ireland. We urge other mobile operators to follow Three’s lead and introduce similar plans.”
