According to a Flash Eurobarometer survey published this week, a large majority of Europeans recognise the benefits of roaming without extra charges.
Due to the new EU roaming rules, in place since 15 June 2017, consumers can use their mobile phone while travelling abroad in the EU as they would do at home, without paying extra charges. The survey shows that 71 percent of Europeans are aware that roaming charges have ended and 72 percent think they, or someone they know, will benefit. Awareness of the new rules rises to 86 percent amongst those who have travelled since 15 June.
The Flash Eurobarometer survey on roaming took place at the end of August, after the main holiday period. The results show that during this summer – the first without extra roaming charges for travellers in the EU – people have started to change their behaviour when using their mobile phones abroad.
Several mobile operators have already reported an important rise in data traffic due to travellers, which has multiplied several times this summer compared to summer 2016 (by 3 to 6 times, in some cases even more).
While some of this increase reflects general year-on-year growth in data consumption in domestic markets, a substantial part can be attributed to the new roaming rules. The rise of roaming calls, although less marked, is also significant. In response, mobile operators in touristic areas report important investments in their networks to seize the opportunity presented by the increased demand from travellers.