Roaming (RLAH)
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Summary
Regulation (EU) 2022/612 lays down rules for roaming on public mobile communications networks within the Union, including the continuation of the “roam-like-at-home” principle. It caps wholesale roaming charges and sets safeguards (including fair use and sustainability mechanisms) to prevent abusive or anomalous use while protecting consumers. It also strengthens transparency and access to emergency services for roaming customers.
Who is affected?
Mobile network operators and other providers of regulated roaming services, as well as end-users (consumers and businesses) using mobile services when travelling within the EU/EEA. National regulatory authorities and BEREC are involved in supervision and implementation guidance.
Scope
Applies to regulated retail and wholesale roaming services for terrestrial public mobile communications networks within the EU/EEA, including voice, SMS and data, when customers travel periodically outside their home Member State.
Key Points
- Extends “roam-like-at-home” retail pricing for periodic travel within the EU/EEA, subject to fair use and anti-abuse measures.
- Sets maximum wholesale roaming charges (voice, SMS and data) and provides for a declining data wholesale cap over time.
- Includes a sustainability mechanism allowing operators, under conditions, to apply a surcharge if they cannot recover costs.
- Strengthens transparency obligations (e.g., information on applicable conditions, fair use, and any surcharges).
- Improves roaming service quality expectations and access to emergency services, including information for reaching emergency services while roaming.
Key Deadlines
- — End of application of Regulation (EU) 2022/612 (sunset date).
Related Regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
Who must comply with Regulation (EU) 2022/612 on roaming?
Mobile network operators and providers of regulated roaming services within the EU/EEA must comply. National regulatory authorities and BEREC oversee implementation and enforcement.
What is the main purpose of the Roaming Regulation?
The regulation ensures that customers can use mobile services (voice, SMS, data) while travelling within the EU/EEA at domestic prices, under the 'roam-like-at-home' principle, with safeguards against abuse.
What services are covered by this regulation?
It covers regulated retail and wholesale roaming services for terrestrial public mobile communications networks, including voice calls, SMS, and data, when customers travel periodically within the EU/EEA.
What are the key obligations for mobile operators under this regulation?
Operators must provide roam-like-at-home pricing, comply with wholesale charge caps, implement fair use policies, ensure transparency for consumers, and facilitate access to emergency services while roaming.
Are there any exceptions or conditions where surcharges may apply?
Yes, operators may apply surcharges if fair use limits are exceeded or if they can demonstrate that providing roam-like-at-home is not sustainable due to cost recovery issues, subject to regulatory approval.
What penalties apply for non-compliance with the regulation?
Penalties are determined and enforced by national regulatory authorities, which may include fines or other corrective measures for operators that breach their obligations.
How does this regulation interact with previous EU roaming rules?
Regulation (EU) 2022/612 updates and replaces previous roaming regulations, extending the roam-like-at-home regime and introducing new provisions on quality, transparency, and emergency services.
What steps should operators take to ensure compliance?
Operators should review and update their retail and wholesale pricing, implement fair use policies, provide clear consumer information, monitor usage for abuse, and ensure access to emergency services while roaming.
What transparency obligations are imposed on operators?
Operators must inform customers about roaming conditions, fair use limits, potential surcharges, and how to access emergency services while roaming.
When did the current roaming regulation enter into force?
Regulation (EU) 2022/612 entered into force on 1 July 2022.
Key Terms
- Roam-like-at-home (RLAH)
- A principle allowing mobile users to use their domestic tariffs for voice, SMS, and data when travelling within the EU/EEA, subject to fair use policies.
- Wholesale roaming charges
- Fees charged between mobile operators for providing roaming services to each other's customers, subject to maximum caps under the regulation.
- Fair use policy
- A set of rules operators can apply to prevent abusive or anomalous use of roaming services, ensuring that RLAH is used for periodic travel, not permanent roaming.
- Sustainability mechanism
- A provision allowing operators, under strict conditions and regulatory approval, to apply surcharges if they cannot recover costs from providing RLAH.
- National regulatory authority (NRA)
- A national body responsible for supervising and enforcing the regulation within each Member State.
- BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications)
- An EU agency that provides guidance and coordinates implementation of electronic communications regulations, including roaming.
- Regulated roaming services
- Retail and wholesale mobile services (voice, SMS, data) provided to customers travelling within the EU/EEA, covered by the regulation.
- Emergency services access
- Requirements ensuring that roaming customers can reach emergency services and receive information on how to do so while abroad.
- Periodic travel
- Travel by end-users outside their home Member State on a temporary basis, as opposed to permanent or long-term residence.
- Transparency obligations
- Requirements for operators to clearly inform customers about roaming conditions, fair use limits, surcharges, and emergency service access.