Roam Like at Home and Calling International

What you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask

Auteur: Nico Maes, Product Manager Mobile

man travelling
In today's interconnected world, where digital communication plays a crucial role, maintaining connectivity while traveling abroad has become an essential requirement. The introduction of "Roam Like at Home" (RLAH) has transformed how people utilize their mobile devices while abroad, providing a smooth and economical method to remain connected. RLAH is a policy initiated by the European Union (EU), allowing travelers to utilize their mobile phones and other devices while roaming within other EU countries at local rates. 

 

Allow us to introduce Sylvie, a dynamic individual fueled by a passion for innovation and a remarkable talent for striking lucrative deals. Sylvie finds herself frequently traversing through diverse European nations, forging connections with potential clients and partners. However, her international travels in the past were accompanied by the worrisome weight of mobile roaming charges. Each call, email, or data usage incurred additional costs, inducing a moment of hesitation before reaching out to contacts during her time abroad.

In the era before RLAH, the excitement of exploring a new country was tempered by the concern of returning home to an unexpectedly high phone bill due to international roaming charges. A simple call to family or a quick navigation check could potentially lead to financial stress.

In June 2017, the EU took an important step for all European citizens going abroad for work or on holiday by introducing the "Roam Like at Home" initiative as part of its broader strategy to create a Digital Single Market. The objective was to eliminate roaming charges for consumers within the EU and streamline cross-border communication.

Since the launch of Roam Like at Home (RLAH), Sylvie's journey has undergone a complete metamorphosis. As she lands in a foreign European country, her phone seamlessly connects to a local network. A welcoming text from Dstny greets her, reassuring that she can use her device's capabilities just as if she were comfortably at home. Whether it's a call to her loved ones, messages to new acquaintances, or confidently using data to navigate her surroundings, Sylvie is now liberated from the haunting shadow of excessive charges.

It's important to note that RLAH is only applicable within the European Union (EU) and a few associated countries. These included countries can be found on our tariff plans.

woman mobile

 

Differentiating between Roam Like at Home (RLAH) and international calling is crucial. Here's how they differ:

  • Roam Like at Home (RLAH): RLAH is a policy introduced by the EU, enabling mobile users to employ their devices in specific countries at the same rates they would pay at home.

When in a country that supports RLAH, you can make calls, send texts, and use data just like you would in your home country, without incurring extra roaming charges.

  • Calling International: International calling refers to making calls from your home country to a different one. International calls come with additional charges, which can vary significantly depending on the country you're calling.

 

To put it simply, RLAH allows you to use your mobile device in certain designated countries without worrying about extra charges, whereas international calling involves making calls from your home country to other countries, which come with additional fees that differ from your regular calling rates.

In our Europe and World bundles Dstny includes RLAH and Calling international.

In the Europe bundle:

  • RLAH in all European countries / EU+ countries* 
  • Calling international to all European countries / EU+ countries*

In the world bundle:

  • RLAH in all European countries / EU+ countries* 
  • Calling international to all European countries / EU+ countries*
  • 2000 min in and to North America and Best Destinations*
  • 2000 sms in and to North America and Best Destinations*
  • 2 GB in and to North America and Best Destinations*

In all other bundles (with exception of the Mini and Dect replacement bundle) we only include RLAH. Al thought, Calling international to a selected range of countries can be added for a small fee.
 

Parijs

Conclusion

In a world where borders no longer limit communication, "Roam Like at Home" (RLAH) emerges as a beacon of connectivity. With the European Union's (EU) visionary initiative, RLAH lets us use our devices seamlessly across EU countries, erasing the worry of extra costs.

Contrasting this, international calling still remains relevant, with its unique scope for reaching beyond borders. RLAH ensures you're at home wherever you roam, while international calling opens doors to conversations that transcend geographical boundaries.

In the end, whether through RLAH or international calling, the world becomes our network, connecting us effortlessly and affordably.

(* see our Mobile-Only and SmartMobile tariffplans)

Glossary

Roam Like at Home (RLAH): A policy that allows mobile users to use their devices within specific countries at the same rates they would pay in their home country.

International Calling: The act of making calls from your home country to a different country. 

Mobile Roaming Charges: Charges incurred when using your mobile phone or device outside your home country. These charges historically applied when making calls, sending texts, or using data while abroad.

Tariff Plans: Pricing structures offered by mobile service providers, outlining the rates and services available to customers based on their chosen plan.

Europe and World Bundles: Subscription packages offered by Dstny, that include various services such as RLAH and international calling to specific regions.

North America and Best Destinations: Refers to a specific set of countries or regions in Dstny's subscription plans.

Mini and Dect Replacement Bundle: Specific bundles offered by Dstny that differ from other bundles in terms of services and pricing.

 

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