Scotland Yes Vote Means Higher Roaming Charges

Mobile phone users in an independent Scotland could incur roaming fees when travelling to the rest of the UK - and vice versa, according to industry insiders.

One source told Sky News: "Special deals could be struck but on the face of it, Scottish customers would incur roaming charges in England - and vice versa."

The level of the charges strongly depends on whether an independent Scotland would be a member of the EU.

Roaming fees are capped within the European Union, meaning the charges are relatively inexpensive and could soon be scrapped altogether.

In April, the European Parliament voted to abolish roaming fees within the EU but this now requires the approval of the EU Council of Ministers

However, if an independent Scotland were not to be an EU member, customers could incur far higher charges.

The source added: "There are so many ifs and buts, but there certainly is the potential for additional charges. There are quite a few implications for the mobile phone sector if there is a Yes vote. Roaming rates probably would apply."

In the event of a Yes vote, there would be 18 - 20 months of negotiations between Scotland and the rest of the UK.

The UK Government raised the prospect of roaming charges in a 2013 white paper, which also claimed independence could threaten postal services and rural broadband provision.

At the time the Consumer Minister Jo Swinson said: "If Scotland left the UK, posting a letter or making a call could cost more - and there could be less choice for customers."

The SNP has dismissed the warning, arguing that an independent Scotland would be a member of the EU and roaming charges will be scrapped by the end of 2015.