Now imagine you’re somewhere else, like Thailand or the US. Same phone, same apps, same habits — but this time your plan doesn’t include free roaming. When the bill arrives, the shock is real.

Roaming rules can either keep your trip smooth or turn into an expensive mistake. This guide will help you understand how things work in the EU and beyond, and how to stay connected without overpaying.

Read also: How to Get Fast Internet in a Camper? A Guide to LTE Routers, Antennas, and SIM Cards

What Is Roaming and How Does It Work?

Definition and basics

Ever wondered how your phone still works when you’re abroad? That’s thanks to roaming. When your mobile connects to a network outside your home country, your usual provider makes an agreement with a local one so you can stay connected.

Roaming is convenient, but it often comes at a cost. Your provider pays the foreign network to provide service, and then charges you for using it. That can lead to high costs for calls, texts, and especially data, depending on where you are.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s look at why roaming within the EU is much more affordable than in other parts of the world.

The “Roam Like at Home” Policy in the EU

What it means for travelers

If you’re traveling anywhere in the EU, plus Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein, you can use your mobile plan just like at home. There are no extra fees for using your regular calls, texts, or data. Whether you’re posting from Paris or navigating Naples, you’re covered.

Fair use policy and data limits

There are limits, though. The EU’s “fair use” policy prevents long-term roaming. If you spend more time abroad than at home over a few months, your provider might apply a small fee. Unlimited or very cheap data plans may also come with a cap on how much data you can use abroad. For example, someone on a €13/month plan should get at least 20 GB to use in other EU countries. Once you go beyond that, you’ll pay a regulated fee per GB.

How to check if your plan includes roaming

Before you go, check if your plan includes roaming. Most providers make this easy through their websites or apps. Look for roaming settings, available data, and whether anything needs to be activated ahead of time.

See also: 10 Most Useful USSD Codes for 2025: Samsung, Xiaomi, and iPhone!

Of course, not every trip is by train or car. What if you’re flying or taking a cruise? That’s where things get tricky.

Can I Roam While Travelling by Ship or Plane?

Roaming on ships and planes is not covered by EU protections. These connections usually rely on satellite networks rather than traditional cell towers. As a result, they can be extremely expensive, often charging several euros for a single megabyte of data.

To avoid surprise costs, turn on airplane mode or disable roaming as soon as you board. Some phones also allow you to block satellite networks or limit background data when roaming.

Now let’s look at what happens when you step outside EU borders, where the rules can vary even more.

Roaming Outside the EU: Costs and Common Practices

Countries with special agreements

Once you’re outside the EU, the situation depends on where you go. Some countries have special agreements, while others don’t.

• UK: Since Brexit, roaming depends on your provider. Some still offer it for free, others charge extra.
• EEA countries: Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein follow EU rules.
• Western Balkans: Some mobile plans include reduced rates or free roaming in countries like Serbia or Montenegro.

Examples of roaming charges in popular non-EU destinations

Here’s a rough idea of what you might pay without a roaming plan:

• Turkey: Usually not covered. Expect to pay around €7 per day or €0.10 per MB.
• Switzerland: Not part of the EU or EEA, so roaming fees depend on your provider.
• USA: Some plans offer €5 to €7 daily roaming packages that include calls, texts, and limited data.
• Thailand: Data can be expensive without a package. A 500 MB roaming pass might cost €6 to €10.

To avoid draining your wallet, here are some smart ways to manage mobile internet when traveling.

Tips to Control Mobile Internet Costs When Traveling

Check your operator’s roaming packages

Many providers offer daily or weekly bundles for roaming. These are often much cheaper than using standard rates. You can also set a spending limit, which many providers cap around €50 by default.

Use Wi-Fi wisely

Wi-Fi is your friend, especially in hotels, airports, and cafés. Just remember to be cautious on public networks. Avoid logging into banking apps or entering personal details unless you’re using a VPN.

Consider local SIM cards or travel eSIMs

If you’re going to be away for a while or expect to use a lot of data, look into buying a local SIM card or travel eSIM. These usually offer better rates and can be activated easily through apps without swapping your main number.

Turn off background data and updates

Apps often run in the background, using data without you noticing. Turn off automatic updates and background syncing. You can also restrict mobile data usage in your phone’s settings.

Final Thoughts

Roaming in 2025 is straightforward if you’re traveling within the EU. Beyond that, it gets more complex, but a little research can go a long way. Take a few minutes to understand your plan, check what your provider offers, and make small changes to your phone settings. It’s a simple way to stay connected and avoid an expensive surprise when you get home. Safe travels!

Sources: europa.eu | roamight

Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash

Photo by Chris Curry on Unsplash

In July, we gathered 367,339 measurements to support our upcoming report. A big thanks to all our app users who helped us collect this data.

READ ALSO: Mobile Internet in Poland – A big summary of 2023

Of this total, a significant 85,439 measurements were conducted using 5G technology. In July, these accounted for 23.26% of all mobile network quality and speed tests. The 4G LTE network was measured 274,914 times.

In July, Orange kept its lead, accounting for 32.6% of all measurements. Play was a close second with 32.3%, while Plus and T-Mobile posted similar figures, with 17.8% and 17.4% respectively.

Want to help create more rankings? Download our mobile app for free and join the community!

Read more:

Heading abroad for your holiday? Take a look at the mobile Internet quality and speeds in top holiday destinations:

Mobile Internet in Southern Europe and the Mediterranean

Mobile Internet in Southeast Asia – check the speed and quality of service

Find out how fast the Internet is in the Balkans before you go on holiday!

Mobile Internet in Poland – What was the situation like in June 2024?

In June, Orange cemented its position as the market leader in 5G, winning the ‘triple crown’ with top scores in 3 key areas: average data download speed, data upload speed, and lowest ping value. Orange achieved an impressive average 5G download speed of 271.8 Mbps, a significant increase on the previous month. They also led the upload category with 49.6 Mbps and excelled in the latency category with an average ping of 21.9 ms. The competition was close but failed to overtake the leader, with T-Mobile, Play, and Plus trailing behind.

In 4G LTE technology in June, Play took the top spot for average data download speed at 41.4 Mbps and upload speed at 22.4 Mbps. T-Mobile and Orange were close behind, while Plus was at the bottom of the list. While Orange dominated in 5G, it had to give way to Play in 4G LTE, but it still recorded the best results in the lowest ping category at 29 ms, confirming its advantage in minimising latency.

See what mobile Internet looked like in June 2024

5G performance

Average data download speed: Orange (318.3 Mbps)

For the third month in a row, Orange leads the pack in average data download speeds on the 5G network. With July’s figure of 318.3 Mbps, it’s clear that Orange has significantly ramped up from June’s 271.8 Mbps and May’s 245.6 Mbps. 

In second place was Play, with a considerable gap, achieving 176.5 Mbps. T-Mobile and Plus posted similar results, with 168.3 Mbps and 144.7 Mbps respectively.

Average data upload speed: Orange (52.8 Mbps)

Orange shows no signs of slowing down, maintaining its lead in the average 5G upload speed category, now reaching 52.8 Mbps. This represents an improvement over June’s winning figure, which was 3.2 Mbps lower. 

The competition remained closer in this category. Play was the runner-up with 48.7 Mbps, followed by T-Mobile with 39.7 Mbps. Plus lagged behind with 28.8 Mbps.

Lowest ping value: Orange (22.1 ms)

The ‘triple crown’ remains within reach for Orange, which continued to excel by securing first place in the lowest average ping value category. Their performance, recorded at 22.1 ms, allowed them to outperform Play (22.5 ms), T-Mobile (25.1 ms), and Plus (28.3 ms).

4G LTE performance

Average data download speed:  Play (44.5 Mbps)

In the latest rankings for average 4G data download speeds, Play has taken the lead with a score of 44.5 Mbps. This achievement places them at the top of the table. T-Mobile closely follows with 43.6 Mbps, just ahead of Orange, which posted 43.4 Mbps. Plus comes in last with 40.9 Mbps, which is still a solid result.

Average data upload speed: Play (22.7 Mbps)

Play also leads in the category of average 4G data upload speed, securing the top spot with 22.7 Mbps. The operator continues to outpace its rivals, with T-Mobile in second place recording 20.4 Mbps. Orange is in third place with 20 Mbps, and Plus finishes with 18.1 Mbps.

Lowest ping value: Orange (29.3 ms)

In the category of lowest 4G ping value, Orange leads with the best score of 29.3 ms. This gives them a slight but important advantage over Play, which scored 29.9 ms. T-Mobile is in third place with 33.7 ms, and Plus ranks last with a ping of 37.9 ms.

5G/4G LTE Leaderboard

How did we collect data for the ranking?

The measurements are collected from the users of our mobile app. It allows us to measure basic mobile network parameters – including signal level and quality depending on the technology used by the mobile device, information about the mobile network operator, or the country where the smartphone is located. In addition, on-demand measurements of data download and upload speeds, as well as a latency test, are performed.

When the app notices a low-quality voice call, lack of mobile Internet service, or other services, it has the ability to report the user’s current position where the problem occurred.

Help us create the report on the quality and speed of mobile Internet in Poland!

Download our mobile app for free and join the community!

Nokia’s AirScale Portfolio to Power Egypt’s 5G Network

Under the new agreement, Nokia will supply cutting-edge equipment from its AirScale portfolio, including baseband units (BBUs) and massive MIMO radios, all powered by the advanced ReefShark system-on-chip (SoC). This technology will be instrumental in rolling out 5G services across several major Egyptian cities, starting from the historic coastal city of Alexandria and extending through Cairo, Giza, Luxor, and Aswan.

A Pivotal Moment for Telecom Egypt

Telecom Egypt, operating under the brand name “We,” has been actively exploring 5G capabilities with various global technology partners. Notably, it had previously deployed a 5G cloud core from Ericsson and engaged in successful 5G trials with Huawei. However, the partnership with Nokia, which began with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2019, has culminated in this significant rollout, positioning Nokia at the forefront of Egypt’s 5G launch.

Tommi Uitto, president of mobile networks at Nokia, expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “The introduction of 5G services enabled by our extensive portfolio will open exciting new opportunities for people and businesses in Egypt to experience enhanced mobile connectivity. Our collaboration establishes a strong foundation for driving the nation’s digital transformation.”

The Intriguing Landscape of Egypt’s 5G Strategy

Egypt’s approach to 5G deployment has been anything but straightforward. In January, Telecom Egypt secured the country’s first official 5G license for $150 million, a stark contrast to the anticipated auction reserve price of $500 million discussed as recently as October 2023. This unexpected move has stirred the industry, especially considering that all four of Egypt’s major operators—Orange, Vodafone, Etisalat, and Telecom Egypt—already possess spectrum capable of supporting 5G services.

In 2020, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) awarded 2.6-GHz TDD spectrum to Etisalat, Vodafone, and Telecom Egypt, generating $1.17 billion. Orange later joined the fray in 2022, acquiring its spectrum for $440 million. Despite this, the operators have yet to refarm these frequencies for 5G use, leaving industry analysts puzzled.

The Road Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges

The launch of 5G services in Egypt, facilitated by Nokia’s technology, promises to unlock numerous opportunities for enhanced mobile connectivity and digital services. It positions Egypt to benefit from advancements in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and smart city initiatives. However, the journey is fraught with challenges, particularly in navigating the regulatory and strategic complexities that have characterized Egypt’s telecom sector.

As Egypt embarks on this new era of connectivity, the collaboration between Nokia and Telecom Egypt will be closely watched by industry stakeholders. Their success could set a precedent for future 5G deployments in the region, driving further innovation and digital transformation.

In conclusion, the Nokia-Telecom Egypt partnership is a beacon of progress in Egypt’s telecommunications market. It reflects the dynamic nature of the industry and the critical role of strategic alliances in shaping the future of connectivity. As 5G becomes a reality in Egypt, the nation stands on the brink of a technological revolution, poised to reap the benefits of faster, more reliable, and more versatile mobile networks.

Source: Telecoms.com

What is Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence is being touted as a “personal intelligence system” for iPhones, iPads, and Macs. Unlike its competitors who have rushed to implement AI features, Apple has taken its time to develop a more holistic approach. This system isn’t just a chatbot or a single-purpose tool; it’s designed to integrate AI capabilities across the entire user experience.

Key Features of Apple Intelligence

Enhanced Writing and Editing

One of the standout features of Apple Intelligence is its ability to enhance your writing. Regardless of the app you’re using, it can proofread your text, offer suggestions for improvement, and even help you change the tone of your writing. It can also summarize text, including emails and audio recordings, saving you valuable time.

Smarter Photo and Video Management

Apple Intelligence brings some exciting features to the Photos app. Users will be able to remove unwanted objects from photos, similar to the “magic eraser” tools seen in other apps. But it doesn’t stop there – you can now search for photos and videos using natural language descriptions. Imagine finding that hilarious photo of your friend with cake on their face just by describing it!

AI-Powered Creativity

For the creatives out there, Apple Intelligence includes a generative emoji creator. Simply describe what you want, and it will create a custom emoji for you. It can also stitch together photos and videos based on your descriptions, adding a background score to create a personalized video presentation.

Siri Gets a Major Upgrade

Siri, Apple’s voice assistant, is getting a significant overhaul as part of Apple Intelligence. The new Siri promises more natural conversations, better context understanding, and the ability to maintain context between requests. You’ll even be able to type queries to Siri and switch between text and voice interactions seamlessly.

Privacy Concerns Addressed

With the unprecedented level of access Apple Intelligence will have to user data, privacy concerns are bound to arise. Apple has addressed this by emphasizing that most features will be handled by an on-device AI model. When cloud processing is necessary, Apple will use its Power Cloud Compute (PCC) technology to protect user data and privacy.

When Can You Get Your Hands on Apple Intelligence?

Apple Intelligence will be available with the release of macOS 15 Sequoia, iOS 18, and iPadOS 18. However, it will initially be released as a beta version and only in English. Not all devices will be compatible – you’ll need a device powered by Apple M1, M2, M3, or M4 chips, or the A17 Pro chipset.

What This Means for the Future of Apple Devices

Apple’s entry into the AI race marks a significant shift in the tech landscape. While they may be late to the party, Apple’s comprehensive approach to AI integration could set a new standard in the industry. By focusing on practical, everyday applications of AI technology, Apple is aiming to make artificial intelligence an integral part of our daily digital interactions.

As we look forward to the rollout of Apple Intelligence, one thing is clear: the way we interact with our Apple devices is about to change dramatically. Whether it’s writing an important email, organizing our photo library, or simply asking Siri for help, AI will be there to make our digital lives smoother and more efficient.

The tech world will be watching closely as Apple Intelligence makes its debut. Will it live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure – the AI revolution has officially arrived at Apple’s doorstep.

Source: Economy Middle East

Photo by zhang kaiyv on Unsplash

LG’s decision was dictated by high competition in the mobile phone sector. It remains unknown how many jobs will be affected by this shift. The South Korean manufacturer has wide-ranging interests, from producing petrochemicals to sponsoring baseball and basketball teams. However, the main growth areas LG aims to focus on following the exit are home devices, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The company’s subsidiary, LG Chem, is one of the world’s largest suppliers of the battery cells for electric cars. Additionally, LG produces other parts, such as touchscreen displays to be used on car dashboards.

With this announcement that marks the end of an era, LG joins other manufacturers which also stopped producing handsets, including Blackberry, HTC, and Nokia. Although they sold the intellectual property, phones are still released under all three brands. LG said it may continue to sell mobile phones after 31 July as well.

LG had been producing mobile phones for nearly a quarter of a century. Back in 2013, the South Korean company was actually the third-largest phone manufacturer in the world, according to Reuters. However, in recent years, LG’s position on the market weakened due to unfavorable reviews of its phones. Perhaps its most questionable release was the “banana phone” featuring a curved screen that failed to win customers over. At one point, the company even faced legal action over software problems that made certain devices unusable. LG’s smartphone division has incurred losses over six consecutive years, amounting to approximately $4.5bn (£3.3bn) in total, based on calculations made by Reuters.

According to data from Counterpoint, a research firm, LG’s sales of 23 million phones translated to a 2% global market share in 2020. By comparison, Apple and Samsung had 21% and 18% of the mobile phone market, respectively. However, LG remains a major player in consumer electronics, including television sales, accounting for around 16% of the global TV market last year.

In addition to its major growth areas, the company will also work on developing mobile technology related to electric vehicles. As autonomous driving capabilities become more advanced, the expected rollout of 6G networks enabling even faster data transfer to and from vehicles could uncover a burgeoning market opportunity for the South Korean manufacturer.

Source: The Guardian

There are two main aspects that work in the app’s favour. Firstly, in order to join Clubhouse, you need to get a special invitation from an existing user. Each user has only two invites available, which enhances the sense of elitism. Secondly, it induces the FOMO effect – the content has to be experienced live and isn’t saved anywhere.

The latter principle, however, has recently been violated after recordings of conversations appeared on an external website. This troubling incident was detected by Stanford University’s Internet Observatory. Clubhouse representatives soon confirmed that there had, in fact, been a data spillage over the past weekend.

One of the application’s users discovered a way to join multiple rooms at once. By connecting to Clubhouse’s API, he could then intentionally share audio chat recordings on an external website. This way, he remained logged in, while anyone who entered the website could listen to the audio chats from the application – without having to get an invite first.

Recording and streaming conversations without the explicit consent of speakers blatantly violates the application’s terms of use. The company assured that it banned the user responsible for the leak and strengthened its security measures. However, users have every right to call these words into question, as similar assurances took place just a week earlier, on February 12. The application’s security was to be improved after researchers from Stanford University’s Internet Observatory found a number of serious vulnerabilities, including the ability to connect IDs to specific user profiles.

It is also worth mentioning that the application’s infrastructure is provided by a Chinese firm called Agora, which has raised concerns that the Chinese government could gain access to Clubhouse data. In response to these warnings, the app’s representatives announced that they improved its security, thus preventing cyber-criminals from stealing data. As it turned out, however, the app is not as private as its creators would like it to be.

This is not the first time that Clubhouse recordings have been published on the Internet – users have already been uploading conversations of famous people, such as Elon Musk or Kevin Hart, to YouTube. So, what lesson can we draw from this story? No conversation we have on the Internet is really entirely private, especially if we use new, not fully tested solutions for this purpose.

Source: BBC