Long-Term Roaming in Ascension Island & Sky Mobile Fair Usage Policy - Seeking Clarification

[user0407]

Hi everyone,

I've just switched to Sky Mobile as I'll be moving to and working on Ascension Island for the next two years. Sky's policy states that Ascension is treated 'as you would at home'  (part of the UK allowance) and is what made me sign up.  I am also tied to my UK number aand want to retain it, indefinately.

However, I've been looking at the 'roaming abroad for an extended period of time' clause in their Fair Usage Policy, and it's got me wondering...

Here's my situation and how I plan to use my phone:

I'll be running a dual SIM. My main phone for day-to-day data and local calls/texts on Ascension will use a local Sure Ascension SIM.

My Sky Mobile eSIM will be kept for my UK number – primarily for receiving calls and texts from the UK, and I'll set up Wi-Fi Calling whenever possible for anything I send back to the UK

Crucially, I will be coming back to the UK periodically for leave throughout these two years. During those times, my Sky Mobile SIM will be actively used in the UK.

My questions are:

1. Has anyone in the community had a similar experience using Sky Mobile for a long stretch (multiple months/years) in places like Ascension, the Channel Islands, Isle of Man, or Republic of Ireland where the UK allowance applies?

2. Given my planned usage (low usage on Ascension, but regular UK visits), do you think this falls within what Sky considers 'fair' and won't trigger any restrictions due to 'extended roaming'?

3. Any general tips or best practices for managing a Sky Mobile account under these kinds of long-term international circumstances to avoid the unexpected?

I'm also reaching out to Sky customer services, cant find an address and the assist has been connecting me for some time. 

Thanks for any thoughts or experiences you can share!

[63johnw]

Hi @user0407  sorry, can't really answer your questions but one thing to note (not sure if it applies in your destination) WiFi calling doesn't work when roaming abroad, calls on WiFi calling default to a standard call which can be chargeable or trigger roaming charges. 

[user0407]

Thank you i will bare that in mind ref wifi calling.

Seems like wifi calling would be most useful for roaming but there we go. I'll have to try it and see whats happens.

I suppose i just want some clarity, as there is some ambiguity.

The Ascension Island piece from the Roaming destinations and charges  page states,  

"In the Channel Islands (Guernsey and Jersey), the Isle of Man and Ascension Island, you can use data, calls and texts as you would at home. It's included as part of your UK allowance."

 and

"If you exceed our Fair Usage Policy your services may be suspended."

Looking at the fair use policy, all I can see as a restriction is,

"

Roaming in the Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland:: Mobile data usage per month and/or roaming abroad for an extended period of time:: You won't be able to use mobile data while roaming in these destinations*

"

No mension of Ascension there.

In practice, i'll barely make any calls.  I'llneed to be able to recieve texts, at least for 2 step verification - tied to so many of my accounts, including for work.  I cannot find what quantifies as mobile data usage per month (in GB) or what is an extended period (in days/months/years) within the T&Cs, I guess Sky want to be adaptable.  Can guarentee a two year period is extended, at some point.  I am concerned they will turn off my SIM unexpetidly if i do not plan/use it "failrly". 

 It is dissapointing that i can only call sky customer service. This call could rack up a considerable cost as I am currently overseas.  I do not have X/Twitter or facebook accounts and refuse to set those up for customer services. 

[63johnw]

If you have WhatsApp/iPhone FaceTime @user0407  then if the recipient also has them then calls can be made to them over WiFi.