55,000 Vodafone customers can end contracts early over roaming row

Roughly 55,000 Vodafone customers will be able to end the contracts early following an investigation by telecoms regulator Ofcom.

Earlier this year Vodafone introduced new international roaming charges for a number of countries outside the EU and informed customers by text.

The Roam Further charges meant customers were charged a flat fee of £6 a day to use their phone in 60 countries. However, users were charged the £6 fee even if they only sent one text message.

Following complaints from customers, Ofcom ruled that mobile phone networks must give customers 30 days’ notice of any contract changes likely to be of “material detriment”.

Ofcom says ‘right to exit’ information should be provided “in the main body of the text or email” Image: Ofcom

In response to Ofcom's concerns, Vodafone has sent another message to affected customers and given them a further 30 days to end their contract.

In a statement Ofcom, said: “Certain customers, particularly those who may be light users of their mobile phone when abroad in these countries, are likely to be affected by the new Roam-further charge, considering they can no longer send texts, make calls or use data on a ‘pay-per-use’ basis.”

Around 55,000 customers are likely to be eligible to quit Vodafone.