Everything you need to know about data roaming

When you are in an area with no signal, or when you leave your operator’s coverage zone, your smartphone automatically switches to another mobile network to keep you connected. This is called data roaming! What does this service entail? How and why should you activate it? How much does it cost? We answer all your questions about data roaming.

What is data roaming?

Data roaming is a service designed to ensure continuous communication when moving from one area to another. We explain it in more detail.

Data roaming: definition

Data roaming is a service offered by mobile operators that allows a user to connect to networks other than their own to continue communicating.

Data roaming can occur within the same country, for example, when an operator does not cover a specific area (this is referred to as a white zone). However, the term roaming typically refers to a situation where a user traveling to a foreign country connects to the local network with their regular phone plan. This is referred to as roaming when talking about data roaming abroad.

What is the purpose of data roaming?

Data roaming is the service that allows you to use your phone anywhere, even abroad. It enables you to communicate without constraints even if your operator’s network is unavailable: make calls, send SMS and MMS, or connect to the internet. For operators, data roaming allows them to provide a stable service regardless of their subscribers' location.

How does data roaming work on a mobile phone?

To ensure data roaming, mobile operators enter into commercial agreements with each other. They define the cost of routing data from one area to another: the local operator charges the foreign operator (the usual operator of the person traveling) for using its antennas. This cost is then passed on to the user's bill as "out of plan" charges.

In certain regions, operators have had to comply with rules to form agreements. This is the case in Europe, where the rates for roaming are capped for customers from European Union member countries (and the UK). It is now possible to use your phone plan without extra charges in any member country, and a call made from your home country to another country cannot be charged more than 19 cents per minute. In France, this also applies to Overseas Departments and Regions!

Why activate or deactivate data roaming?

On a smartphone, you can access the settings related to data roaming to activate or deactivate this option.

What is the difference between mobile data and mobile data roaming?

You should not confuse mobile data with mobile data roaming! In your smartphone's settings, mobile data refers to your internet usage. Activating or deactivating it means you can or cannot connect to the internet, using the data included in your mobile plan.

Mobile data roaming, on the other hand, refers to data used abroad: this is what we are talking about in this article! The confusion comes from the fact that on many devices (especially iOS), both settings are accessible from the same “Cellular Data” menu.

Is it necessary to activate roaming every day?

As mentioned earlier, data roaming can occur both abroad and in uncovered areas within a country. Depending on your operator and the network coverage in your area, it may be beneficial to leave this option activated to use your mobile plan daily!

When should you activate or deactivate data roaming on your smartphone?

You can leave data roaming activated when you're at home and not leaving the national territory. However, if you live or work near a border, it may be better to deactivate this option to avoid surprises.

It is strongly advised to deactivate this option during your travels abroad, unless the country you are visiting is one of the destinations included in your plan. Likewise, you should deactivate roaming if you are taking a boat, even if you are going to an island within your country's territory (e.g., Corsica for France). Indeed, if you cross international waters and consume data, you risk significant out-of-plan charges!

What are the international roaming charges?

Outside the European Union, roaming charges are passed on to the bill paid by the subscriber. They vary from country to country, sometimes doubling!

Roaming fees charged by different operators depend on the agreements they have made with each other. It depends on each operator's commercial policies, as well as the relations between the countries. Additionally, rates can greatly differ from one geographical area to another! There are 9 phone code zones that correspond to regions around the world:

● Africa

● Asia

● Europe

● Oceania

● North America

● South America

● Middle East

● Caribbean

● South Pacific

It’s important to note that rates vary considerably depending on the region you are in. A call made from, for example, Europe to North America may not be as expensive as a call made from Europe to Africa. To avoid being surprised, it is better to check the roaming charges of your operator before traveling.

How to avoid high roaming costs?

To avoid high roaming fees, here are some tips:

Deactivate roaming when you don't need it, for example, while at home or when traveling abroad to countries that don't have an agreement with your operator.
Choose a plan that includes international roaming, or a dedicated plan for travel abroad, so you can avoid unpredictable fees.
Consider using a local SIM card or an eSIM when you travel abroad to reduce the roaming charges.
Use Wi-Fi as often as possible to reduce your data consumption when abroad.

What alternatives to data roaming exist?

When traveling abroad, it’s often a good idea to explore alternatives to traditional roaming services. These alternatives can help you avoid high fees and make it easier to stay connected while on the go.

eSIM – A flexible and cost-effective solution to avoid traditional roaming charges. eSIMs allow you to have multiple data plans on the same device without the need for a physical SIM card.
Local SIM cards – You can buy a local SIM card in the country you're visiting, which will allow you to take advantage of local rates and avoid international roaming charges.
Wi-Fi hotspots – Many public places such as cafes, airports, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi, which can help you stay connected without using mobile data.

In conclusion, data roaming can be a great convenience when traveling, but it's important to be aware of the potential costs and take proactive steps to manage your data usage effectively. Make sure to activate or deactivate roaming based on your needs, check with your operator for the best options, and consider alternatives like eSIMs or local SIM cards for the best value during your travels.