Vodafone offers free global roaming offer for UK armed forces personnel to help keep them connected.
- Ahead of Remembrance Day, new research conducted by Vodafone has found that more than half (54%) of military personnel believe high mobile, data or broadband costs have restricted their contact with family and friends while away on service.
- Being able to stay in regular communication with family and friends ranked as the number one concern in the first 100 days of deployment for military personnel – above operational readiness and personal safety.
- Those who take out a new Vodafone Global Roam Airtime Plan with a mobile device, with more than 1GB data allowance, can get a Vodafone Advantage 25%* discount on their monthly airtime, effectively waiving roaming charges in a wide selection of eligible destinations**. Vodafone’s unique offer for military personnel effectively eliminates global roaming charges.
New research by Vodafone has revealed that more than half (54%) of military personnel feel that high mobile, data or broadband costs has restricted their contact with family and friends while away on service.
As Remembrance Day draws near – a moment when the country honours the commitment and sacrifices of its armed forces – Vodafone is highlighting its unique offer for military personnel, which eliminates global roaming charges. This initiative ensures service members can remain in touch with loved ones more easily while deployed overseas.
Other key findings from Vodafone’s research, which polled 500 active armed forces personnel, include:
have experienced emotional difficulty due to a lack of contact with loved ones.
68%
indicated that regular access to mobile or broadband to keep in touch with family and friends was ‘extremely important’ to them.
58%
Communication with family and friends ranked as the number one concern in the first 100 days of deployment
above operational readiness and even personal safety.
Additionally, fewer than half (43%) of service personnel reported being able to communicate daily with their family and friends. Among those who managed to keep in touch, text messaging emerged as the most common method, used by 75% of respondents. Meanwhile, 46% stated that staying in touch with their loved ones was ‘vitally important’ to supporting their mental wellbeing.
Vodafone stands alone as the sole UK telecommunications provider offering complimentary global roaming for armed forces personnel. Those who take out a new Vodafone Global Roam Airtime Plan with a mobile device, with more than 1GB data allowance, can get a Vodafone Advantage 25%* discount on their monthly airtime, effectively waiving roaming charges in a wide selection of eligible destinations**. Vodafone’s unique offer for military personnel effectively eliminates global roaming charges.
This means service members can use their UK data, minutes and texts abroad at no extra cost, ensuring they remain in close contact with loved ones while on deployment, free from the worry of unexpected roaming bills. To receive the discount, armed forces members need to apply online through Vodafone Advantage Armed Forces website and add the discount code at online checkout
In addition, Vodafone provides best value broadband options tailored for military personnel, along with exclusive full fibre deals for armed forces families. The company also supports veterans and reservists through dedicated career transition services and flexible employment opportunities.
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Steve Knibbs, Director, Vodafone Business Security Enhanced (VBSE), said: “Our findings highlight just how essential it is for service personnel to stay connected with their families. Not just for morale, but for their emotional wellbeing as well, especially at this time of the year when Remembrance Day is at the forefront of our thoughts.
“Far too often, members of the armed forces have faced difficult decisions about when and how to reach out to their loved ones because of cost concerns.
“By removing roaming charges globally, we’re making it easier to maintain those all-important connections, wherever their service takes them. It’s a straightforward change that makes a real difference to people’s lives – all on The Nation’s Network.”
International roaming charges are often more expensive because they cover the costs of accessing and maintaining secure, reliable mobile networks abroad, while also ensuring customers stay connected seamlessly across different countries.
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As Principal Sponsor, Vodafone Business will have prominent branding across all Army Rugby Union representative teams’ playing kits.
As part of its ongoing dedication to the UK’s military community, Vodafone’s latest initiative comes alongside a range of supportive measures.
The company holds the prestigious Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, and is recognised as a Great British Employer of Veterans.
Vodafone also sponsors UK Armed Forces Rugby and the International Defence Rugby Competition, while serving as a Presenting Sponsor for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2025.
Visit the Vodafone website to find out more, and stay up to date with the latest news from VodafoneThree by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter/X.
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Notes to Editors:
* The discount can’t be used in conjunction with any other discounts or promotions.
** Vodafone’s global roaming coverage includes over 80 destinations worldwide.
25GB roaming fair use, acceptable use policy and terms apply: vodafone.co.uk/terms.
