Beware of roaming on planes or at sea!
Non-terrestrial mobile networks are not included in EU roaming tariffs
Eugen Cojocariu, 30.07.2025, 14:57
Non-terrestrial mobile networks are not included in EU roaming tariffs. The National Authority for the Administration and Regulation of Communications (ANCOM) draws the attention of users traveling by plane or on sea vessels to the risks of connecting to non-terrestrial satellite networks, which are not regulated. These services are usually expensive.
Even if the user is located in the European Economic Area, the EU rules on Roam like at home do not apply to connecting to non-terrestrial mobile satellite networks. The European Economic Area (EEA) is a free trade area that includes the countries of the European Union and three countries of the European Free Trade Association: Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
Typically, when the user is on a ship sailing in open waters or when traveling by plane, there is also the risk of accidentally connecting to a non-terrestrial network. These networks are not regulated and can generate very high costs, even for short use. If your device remains connected to a terrestrial mobile network (for example on rivers, streams, lakes or along the coast), the user still benefits from Roam like at home.
On the other hand, non-terrestrial networks (via satellite, on board airplanes or ships) are not covered by the Roam like at home pricing system. These services are expensive and can be activated without the user’s intervention, if the phone is set to automatically connect to available networks. The user should always check the network to which he is connected and take preventive measures to avoid unpleasant surprises.
The provider is obliged to send a warning SMS when the user connects to such a network, with details of the tariffs. Upon reaching the financial thresholds of 50 euros (excluding VAT) and 100 euros (excluding VAT) for data services used in roaming, even by connecting to a non-terrestrial mobile satellite network, the provider must notify the user and ask for their consent to continue providing the services.
How is the user protected? The simplest actions are activating airplane mode during a flight or at sea; deactivating data roaming in the phone settings; deactivating the satellite roaming service if the provider offers this option; paying increased attention to warning messages received from the operator.
Users who have a dissatisfaction with the roaming service should first contact the provider. If the provider has not resolved the problem reported, users can contact ANCOM.
