What is roaming? How mobile internet works

Even when choosing a new mobile contract, the question of what roaming actually is can quickly arise. Data roaming is the use of different mobile networks.

The term comes from English and means something like "wandering around". Roaming accordingly describes the change from the German to a foreign network.

All info at a glance: That's roaming

However, in 2016 an EU regulation allows the cost of data roaming to fall.

• A maximum surcharge of only 5 cents per megabyte of Internet connection may now be charged. At the same time, the total amount may not exceed 20 cents per megabyte. Note that VAT is added to the figures.
• Also for calls and SMS there are restrictions on markup prices: 5 cents per minute for outgoing calls, 1.048 cents per minute for incoming calls, 2 cents per SMS.
• This results in the following maximum amounts: 19 cents per minute for outgoing calls; 5 cents for incoming calls; 6 cents per SMS. All prices are plus VAT.
• At the same time, roaming providers are obliged to inform you as a customer if your monthly expenses exceed an amount of €59.50.

Favorable alternatives for data roaming abroad

Basically, data roaming uses the networks of a foreign provider. This costs money: mobile telephony, sending text messages or mobile surfing may be charged additionally by the foreign provider.

• Before a trip, you should therefore find out about cheap roaming charges. For example, you can get away cheaply with various mobile discounters such as Aldi Talk. There, international rates are often offered.
• A good address is also the mobile discounter DeutschlandSIM. He offers rates with various EU options. These are monthly terminable and very cheap. Für viele Interessen wird ein passendes Roaming-Paket angeboten.