Tiscali Ends Free UK Roaming: Post-Brexit Telecom Policies Tighten

According to Alertify, Italian telecom operator Tiscali is the latest provider to remove the United Kingdom from its “Roam Like at Home” (RLAH) zone, instead placing the UK in its “Zone 1” category. This change signifies that Tiscali customers traveling to the UK will now face additional charges for calls, texts, and data, aligning with the broader trend of telecom providers monetizing post-Brexit roaming policies.

Understanding Tiscali’s New Roaming Policy

Tiscali updated its roaming terms to classify the UK under “Zone 1” in its pricing structure, shifting away from the EU’s RLAH model established in 2017. Customers now face out-of-package costs for data, texts, and calls when visiting the UK, with the operator’s official Zone 1 price list already reflecting these changes.

Initially, Brexit did not disrupt roaming for many providers due to voluntary extensions of RLAH-like treatment for the UK. However, as wholesale costs increase and profit margins tighten, operators like Tiscali are reassessing such arrangements. The UK’s exclusion from EU regulatory protections means providers can independently determine roaming charges.

Similar moves have been observed in the industry. For instance, Iliad Italy has announced it will stop applying RLAH rules for the UK and Gibraltar starting January 1, 2026, signaling a wider market shift toward charged roaming between the EU and UK.

Market Context and Implications for the Telecom Industry

The reclassification of the UK in roaming zones is part of a growing trend across European operators. Following the UK’s departure from the EU in early 2021, telecom providers have increasingly treated UK roaming as an added cost instead of an included feature. This reflects a broader monetization strategy that could reshape customer expectations and behavior.

EU regulations require operators to maintain free roaming within member states and certain EEA countries (e.g., Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). However, the UK is no longer bound under this framework, and companies such as Vodafone UK, EE, and Three UK have already reintroduced EU roaming charges for British customers post-Brexit, normalizing extra fees for international travel.

The changes carry significant implications for both consumers and operators. The UK is a frequent destination for European travelers due to its popularity for city breaks, sports events, business trips, and education. Higher roaming costs can influence habits, leading customers to ration data, rely on Wi-Fi, or adopt alternative solutions like travel eSIMs, which bypass operator roaming fees entirely.

Future Outlook and Expert Analysis

This shift away from free UK roaming is less about direct Brexit policies and more about business decisions driven by financial and market considerations. The gradual changes, such as Iliad’s 2026 policy update, highlight the slow pace of market normalization. As operators increasingly tighten their roaming policies, industry experts expect a segmentation of the market:

• Premium plans offering enhanced roaming features as a differentiator
• Low-cost plans relying on paid roaming passes for profitability
• Growing adoption of travel eSIMs as a flexible and cost-effective solution

From a customer perspective, these changes demand proactive planning. Travelers should verify roaming zones for their destination and consider alternatives like purchasing a travel SIM or subscribing to a more comprehensive roaming package. Regulatory bodies like Ofcom in the UK and the European Commission continue to work on transparency measures, requiring clearer communication to consumers about roaming policies and costs.

Experts believe that the concept of “roam like at home” will persist within EU/EEA regions, but outside those boundaries, it is becoming a tool for competitive positioning or a value-added service rather than a standard offering.

Conclusion: What Does This Mean for Travelers?

Tiscali’s decision to end free UK roaming highlights the ongoing recalibration of post-Brexit telecom policies. As more operators follow suit, travelers must anticipate higher roaming costs and adjust their connectivity strategies for international trips. While “Roam Like at Home” remains intact within the EU/EEA framework, destinations outside this zone—such as the UK—are increasingly shifting toward paid roaming models.

How will you adapt to these changing roaming trends? Do you see the rise of eSIMs as a long-term solution? Share your thoughts in the comments below.