Netherlands telecom firms to stop excessive roaming charges on the North Sea

Travelers on North Sea ferries will soon be free from high roaming costs, as major telecom companies eliminate the extra fees previously charged in the region. KPN announced on Wednesday that, from November, its rates will match those on the mainland. Competitor Odido made a comparable announcement last month, with the new rates coming into effect on January 1.

Since 2017, Dutch mobile users have been able to call, text, and use data across the EU with their domestic bundles. However, the North Sea area was excluded from the Roam Like at Home rules, meaning that anyone who left roaming on while at sea could incur substantial fees.

KPN and Odido have resolved the issue through a partnership with maritime provider Tampnet. The telecom companies say Dutch employees on offshore platforms will benefit as well, and more providers are likely to adopt similar measures.

KPN and Tampnet have been developing their North Sea coverage through a partnership announced in past years, with the offshore network still growing. Tampnet is a maritime telecom and connectivity specialist operating in areas including the North Sea, offering an offshore 4G/5G mobile network in international waters.

While the partnership has been announced, Tampnet cautions that prices can differ between providers, and standard home rates do not automatically apply to all users unless the provider has implemented them.