This article covers how your mobile device may accidentally connect to a network outside of your plan, in the UK or abroad, and what you can do about it.
If you connect to a network not included in your plan, you may incur daily charges for using services like calls, texts, or data, depending on your plan.
In the UK
In coastal areas, or further inland under unusual radio conditions, your device might connect to non-UK networks from France, The Channel Islands, The Isle of Man, or maritime networks on cruise ships.
Outside the UK
Even in locations covered by inclusive roaming (included in your plan or through an add-on), you might connect to networks not included in your plan. For example, in Cyprus, you might connect to a Turkish network near the northern Cyprus border. Charges will vary based on the network.
Avoiding accidental roaming
To avoid accidental roaming charges:
- If you receive a text welcoming you to another country, avoid making or answering calls while connected to that network
- Turn off automatic network selection on your mobile and manually select your network
- Disable data roaming on your device to avoid data charges.