Cost of 3 UK’s European calls cut from end of August

August 4, 2015

3 UK, the smallest of the UK's five mobile phone network operators, is to cut the cost of using a mobile phone abroad by up to 47% - below the new EU law requirement. From the end of August 2015, 3 customers travelling within the European Union would pay 25 pence per minute to call fixed or mobile numbers at home and 10 pence per minute to receive calls.

These prices compare with the capped EU Eurotariff of 38 pence per minute to make a call, and 19 pence per minute to receive a call. 3 UK supports the EC’s aim is to create a level playing field for consumers across the EU. Its pricing will mean there is now no difference when a UK mobile phone is called outside the bundle on another network, whether in the UK or any of the 27 EU countries. The telecoms industry has largely opposed the EU caps, arguing that call prices are already on a steady decline.

3’s new pricing structure will apply to all customers, whether they’re on pre-pay or contract deals. Charges for SMS messages will be fixed at 25 pence per text.

3 UK has over 3.9 million customers in the UK and over 14.7 million worldwide. The 3 network offers national coverage for calls and texts, and over 90% population coverage for 3G services. Set up in the UK by Hong Kong conglomerate Hutchison Whampoa, 3 is a mobile media company delivering a convergence of communications, entertainment and information to customers on the move.