I went to France in the summer. I turned off my data roaming as we boarded the ferry (at Portsmouth). On the ferry home (Le Havre to Portsmouth, travelling with DFDS) my phone showed it was receiving O2 UK so I switched the data roaming back on, reassuring myself that even if we were not in British waters the maximum I would be charged would be £1.99 (the advertised O2 daily rate in Europe).
My next bill showed a data charge in excess of £22. O2 told me that I had been in Iceland, hence the charge and have refused a refund. What’s going on? JC, Crediton, Devon
Having investigated, DFDS told us that the Wi-Fi on that ferry is contracted to On-Waves, an Icelandic telecoms company. “Higher charges are likely to apply to maritime roaming provided via satellite and this, rather than the fact that the company is based in Iceland, is likely to be responsible for the increased costs,” it said, before going on to point out that charges are published around the ferry.
Your phone connected to the system by accident. Keep it off until you get off. Other ferry passengers take note.
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