Prevent high costs when using your mobile device at sea
Since 15 June 2017, providers have no longer been allowed to charge additional costs when you use your mobile device to make phone calls or go on the internet in another EU country. You can continue to use your own telephone and data bundle within the EU. However, on board of a boat or cruise ship, these rules do not apply. Other rates apply when travelling through international waters on a ferry or cruise ship, which may result in higher costs.
Roaming or not?
Starting 15 June 2017, Dutch bundles have been valid in the other EU countries. As a result, you now only make use of the mobile network of the local provider when abroad. However, as soon as a boat at sea is out of reach of the mobile phone masts on the mainland, a satellite connection is established. The same applies if a ship is in between two EU countries. The costs of calling, sending text messages or using the internet can increase substantially when making use of a satellite connection. The costs per MB vary from €7 to €10, which can make sending photos or viewing video clips costly affairs.
European policy regulations stipulate that when connecting via a satellite network while on board of a ship or airplane, providers should inform their customers about the extra costs related to these types of connections, particularly if the connection is established automatically. Think of a warning when costs exceed €50, for example.
What you can do?
Always check which network you are connected to. Read and save text messages that you receive from your provider, since these messages specify the costs of using a particular network.
On board ships, there is often a Wi-Fi network available for internet use for which you can buy a package. If you do, make sure to always turn off data roaming. In this way, your phone will not automatically connect to the mobile network should the Wi-Fi connection be lost, so that you will not be faced with any unpleasant surprises later.
If you do receive an unexpectedly high invoice, make sure to always report this to your provider. You might be eligible for a goodwill solution.