Travel Technology - Three UK 3 Like Home

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I know a lot of people on here have been big fans of 3 UK's Three Like Home feature which allowed both pre and postpay customers to roam on other 3 networks internationally (Ireland, Italy, Austria, Sweden and a few others) with calls, data and text (including 3g dongles) inclusive.

Haven't seen it mentioned on here but this feature is being withdrawn at the end of June, apparently because the weakness of sterling has impacted how much the other three networks are billing Three UK.
Roaming is obviously still possible but will revert back to the usual high costs.
I only use it PAYG, but for those stuck mid-contract, it may be worth pressing for a material adverse change to the contract to see if you can cancel.

Very regressive step, particularly when it's due to local bickering by companies in the same group.

I believe 3 UK's move coincides with the lowering of roaming data charges by EU directive, so we may see some interesting rates from 3 and the others from 1 July. I hope so, anyway.

Vodafone is waiving the Passport connect charges this summer. For voice, this might be as good a deal. I was planning on using my Three data SIM in Denmark and Sweden this summer. I'm looking for plan B.

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I believe 3 UK's move coincides with the lowering of roaming data charges by EU directive, so we may see some interesting rates from 3 and the others from 1 July. I hope so, anyway.

I hope so Roger, but they have the rates post 1 July up there already and whilst they are "competitive" for data compared with peers (I only use the 3 sim in a 3G modem), when you're coming from a position where roaming was free, it's a dealbreaker for me.

Thanks, Kgmm77. I didn't know 3 had announced July prices. All I can find is 'If you're travelling to a destination with a 3 sister network before 30th June, why not take advantage of our 3 Like Home offer? This promotional offer will end on 30th June when we'll be announcing new text and internet data prices for the summer. These will include great prices for some of the most popular destinations.

On the current prices page, I find the £3/Mb charge for non-3 networks. Are the new Europe/US/South Africa rates any better? They're not exactly attractive right now.

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I'm not sure on countries not covered by 3 Like Home, I'd rarely use data in these countries due to the unbelievably high cost. I tend to find a wifi hotspot instead or buy a local SIM.

As an example, the single action of selecting a seat and online checkin for a recent flight in the US cost me $30 roaming using O2.

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I hope so Roger, but they have the rates post 1 July up there already and whilst they are "competitive" for data compared with peers (I only use the 3 sim in a 3G modem), when you're coming from a position where roaming was free, it's a dealbreaker for me.

Hi, could you possibly point me to the new rates? I am a 3 business customer and "3 like home" was one of my main reasons for switching to three last Decemeber. Off on a business trip to Italy for 4 weeks on, yes, you've guessed it, the 1st of July!

If the data rates aren't incredibly cheap for Italy, I will be trying to end my Three contract (5 handsets), by any means.