Call forwarding and roaming

[Laz]

Hi,

If I forward all my calls to my UK Skype number (or another number), will I get charged while roaming ?. I need to turn on my phone while roaming to receive SMS messages

Thanks

[HD1983]

This is incredibly clear and helpful. Thank you. I thought if the unconditional divert was set at network core - then it wouldn't be chargeable regardless - but your reply clarifies that and the avoidance circumstances - especially with the option even leaving the phone 1 entirely off with no roaming connection.

One last query - I'd phone 1 is turned off - but calls are set to divert to three voice ail before leaving the UK - this way it could be used to receive SMS s for free, but assuming all data is turned off and all calls eventually go to 3 voicemail without diverting elsewhere - this would not trigger roaming right? So having calls divert to 3 voice ail when abroad is free under all conditions and is free and doesn't trigger roaming unless data roaming, outbound call or outgoing smss do? Is that right ?

[PeteG]

I'm not sure I've fully understood this question. You mentioned the phone being off, but said you'd be able to receive SMS, could you clarify here? 

The phone would need to remain off or in flight mode for the entire time you're outside of the UK in order to avoid the roaming kicking in. If it's connected to any over seas networks, this will shift the line into a roaming state until the line connects to a UK network again. 

Sorry I've I haven't understood correctly.

Pete.

[HD1983]

Hi - sorry I mean another scenario - so before I leave the UK - I change the divert settings so that calls are diverted to Three Voicemail. If I then turn off data roaming - and calls are diverted to three Voicemail - there will also be no roaming charge right? So all my calls when connecting to a foreign network will forward to three Voicemail - which I can access from another line, and I can still view any SMS s coming in as well - without triggering roaming?

[PeteG]

With Data Roaming off, the SIM would still connect to the service overseas and would register on the network there. It would still be roaming, calls would still be routing through the overseas network. 

I've also noticed a few users here on the Community talking about an issue on iPhones where the phone ignores the disable data roaming option, and taps into the mobile data network several times a day, causing them to be charged. I've had a look around and can see signs of this happening to iPhone users on other networks as well. If you're an iPhone user, and don't want to risk being charged, I'd recommend having the phone in Airplane mode, turned off, or disabling the SIM by removing it, or turning it off in settings if it's a eSIM.

Pete.

[lasantha]

Hi,

This information is incorrect. I have tested the Three and EE networks, and the cost for this service is zero. If you forward your mobile calls to another landline number before leaving the UK, the calls will be covered using your free UK minutes (non-roaming). I then visited Sri Lanka and used my phone to receive text messages without incurring any roaming charges. We should avoid activating Go Roam Passes, as they only incur a daily charge of £5 if activated. The same applies to the EE network.

Lasantha

[HD1983]

Thanks - as I'm roaming in Europe and the risk is low (2gbp a day) I might disable data - leave my UK call diversion intact and test it. Either that or divert to voicemail. It's as I thought - if it's diverted in the core network before the phone is taken abroad - it should be free. I know that's the case with EE and Voda but I didn't know Three work that way too

[HD1983]

Thanks for that - and on android - if calls are forward to three voicemail - is that still chargeable (if that's the only service used but the phone it turned on)?

Thanks !

[JonathanB]

Hi @HD1983,

According to our info the default divert to our Voicemail won't trigger roaming charges, but you should also check the Roaming rates for your destination.

Destinations which are not covered by Go Roam will charge you for calls you answer, and they'll charge you an outgoing call rate for non-standard diverts (a divert you've set up to any number other than Three Voicemail), assuming you're currently registered as roaming.

So I think, if we've followed correctly, your intention is to take a Three SIM with you, receive incoming texts for free, and also have incoming calls go to Three Voicemail. And you'll dial into your mailbox from another line?

If so that ought to work, or if you want to be on the absolute safe side, as Pete suggested you could leave the Three SIM, or leave it in flight mode, so that the SIM doesn't register as roaming. In that scenario you won't be able to monitor incoming SMS of course.

Hope this helps,
Jonathan

[HD1983]

Again - really helpful - I'll make a decision as to what to do - likely divert calls to voicemail as standard and see how that works out. Thanks again! Hunain 

[JonathanB]

Awesome and no worries, happy to help. Please let us know how things go, and we hope you enjoy your travels!

Thanks,
Jonathan