Vodafone has abolished roaming charges for Irish phone users travelling to Northern Ireland and Britain, it emerged today.
In the aftermath of O2's move to end the costly practice last month, Vodafone Ireland confirmed from March 14th onwards people travelling across the border would reap massive savings.
The move means that consumers will no longer pay extra to make or receive calls or send text messages when they cross the border to the North.
All bill-paying customers will pay their normal everyday rates on calls in the UK, and receiving a call will be free. Prepaid customers will pay a connection fee of 29 cent per call and their normal rates after that.
Dermot Jewell of the Consumers Association of Ireland said the move by Vodafone Ireland was long overdue. "It is not surprising as others have done so already, it is like the banking area when one moves they follow," he said.
"It shows how pressure needs to be put on to bring about change, it is the only thing that forces competition into the market."
He added: "The costs of roaming around Europe is a problem, and the costs of roaming on the island of Ireland is quite extraordinary." Mr Jewell said consumers needed to continue to push for improved mobile phone rates.
Communications Minister Noel Dempsey said the move was good news for customers generally, especially for people and businesses in the border counties. "This move will be hugely important for businesses who will now be able to operate on an all-island basis. I am delighted that Vodafone Ireland has stepped up to this challenge," he said.
PA