What is data roaming?
Staying connected abroad is an issue for many mobile users when traveling outside their home network's coverage area. One solution is data roaming, a feature which lets you use your mobile device to connect to a local mobile network in the country you’re visiting, and access apps and data services just like you would at home.
What exactly is data roaming?
Data roaming (also known as mobile data roaming) is a mobile device feature that you can turn on or off when you need to. The capability works in the same way whether on an iPhone or an Android device.
With your data roaming feature turned on, you can use other local mobile networks just like you would at home. The main difference is cost, as most mobile operators charge their subscribers for data roaming. These costs can be very high in some countries. There may also be data limits, depending on the country and the terms of your mobile plan.
How does data roaming work?
Data roaming relies on your mobile provider having partnerships in place with local mobile networks all over the world.
These partnerships allow your phone to "roam" on these networks, enabling you to gain internet access and use data services. Any additional data roaming costs you receive come from your mobile provider (not the local partner/s).
What are the alternatives to data roaming?
While data roaming is very convenient, many mobile users prefer to avoid data roaming costs by using alternatives like:
- Travel data eSIMs
- Public Wi-Fi hotspots
Travel eSIMs like those from Breeze allow users to gain access to mobile networks in the country of their choice, and could save up to 80%* compared to traditional data roaming. The experience is the same as traditional data roaming but with fixed and unlimited data options. The mobile device’s data roaming feature needs to be switched on for it to work.
Public Wi-Fi hotspots provide internet access for mobile devices from fixed locations like hotels, airports and shopping malls. Permitted access speeds and data consumption can vary greatly, and they carry numerous cybersecurity risks. Access can be free or charged at a per day premium.
*Comparison based on EE's published roaming charges to EU, USA, Canada, Australia, NZ and Mexico as at 27th June 2024
