Destinations
Internet in the United Kingdom: what Brexit changed
Free roaming in the United Kingdom stopped being guaranteed after Brexit. What each carrier covers today and what to expect from coverage.
Irene Salazar 7 min Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash The United Kingdom is the European destination where most people get a surprise on the bill, and the reason is simple: it is still close, it is still Europe on the map, and since Brexit it is no longer inside the European Union's roaming regime.
What exactly changed
On leaving the Union, the United Kingdom stopped being covered by the roam-like-at-home principle, the one that guarantees using your plan without a surcharge inside the EU. That does NOT mean every carrier started charging: it means it stopped being guaranteed and each one decides.
In practice, some carriers kept the United Kingdom in their roaming zone at no cost, and others took it out or attached conditions. It may have changed since the last time you looked, and it can depend on your specific plan and not just on your carrier.
The check to make regardless: go into your account area and see what your plan says about the United Kingdom. Five minutes before flying.
What coverage is like
Good overall. London and the large cities have broad 4G and 5G, and the London Underground has spent years extending coverage in the tunnels, though it is not on the whole network yet.
| Where | What to expect |
|---|---|
| London and large cities | 4G and 5G with no problems |
| London Underground | Coverage on part of the network, expanding |
| Trains | Good on the main corridors, with dropouts |
| Rural Scotland and the Highlands | Real gaps, especially in the glens |
| Wales and Northern Ireland | Good in towns, patchy outside them |
Which carriers there are
EE, Vodafone, O2 and Three. EE traditionally has the best rural coverage, and that is where they really differ. In the cities all four are fine.
Ireland is another matter
The Republic of Ireland IS in the European Union, so an EU line works there under the community roaming regime. Northern Ireland, on the other hand, is the United Kingdom. If the trip crosses the border the phone can hop from one network to another without warning, and the terms change with it.
It is one of the few places in Europe where it is worth checking which network you are attached to.
What you are going to use
A trip around the United Kingdom leans on maps, transport timetables and payment apps, all of which use little. Normal use stays between 200 and 500 MB a day if you sleep with wi-fi.
To decide between paying for roaming and carrying an eSIM, the comparison is in roaming, eSIM or local SIM.
Frequently asked questions
Is roaming free in the United Kingdom?
It is no longer guaranteed. With Brexit the United Kingdom left the European Union's roaming regime, so it depends on your carrier and your specific plan. Check it in your account area before travelling.
Is the United Kingdom in the European Union for roaming?
No. That ended with Brexit. Some carriers still include it by their own decision, but they are not obliged to.
And in Ireland?
The Republic of Ireland is in the European Union, so community roaming still applies there. Northern Ireland is the United Kingdom, and if you cross the border the phone can change network without warning.
Is there coverage on the London Underground?
On part of the network yes, and it is expanding, but not yet on every line or every section.
What is coverage like in Scotland?
Good in cities and towns, with real gaps in the Highlands and in the glens. If the trip includes rural areas, download the maps beforehand.
