Orange Poland announced “a discount on global call prices”which will enter into force May 15, 2025, as an effect of adapting to EU regulations. But is the rate reduced from 1,00 PLN to 0.98 PLN gross per minute of conversation from Poland to EU and EEA countries Does it actually have any real meaning for the consumer? Experts say directly: it's symbolic, but it's symbolically crucial..
EU regulation 2022/612 requires the harmonisation and predictability of the costs of telecommunications services within the European Union. In practice, this means that operators, regardless of their size, gotta adapt to rigid price ceilings for global connections and roaming. But Is 2 cents a minute all Orange can offer?
Contrary to appearances, this cosmetic change is just the tip of the iceberg. Polish telecommunications is facing a key minute today: on the 1 hand, customers' expectations for inexpensive global connections are increasing, on the another hand, operators are trying to save their margins, balancing on the border of regulation and their own profitability.
A paper reduction. How much does Orange's client truly gain?
The fresh price of PLN 0.98 per minute of call to the EU/EEA may look attractive in PR materials, but in fact this Only 2% reduction, which for the average user means savings of respective zlotys per monthand frequently even less. If the client makes an average of 30 minutes of calls per period to European countries, his savings will be... 0,60 PLN.
Meanwhile, the competition has long gone on. Play, T-Mobile or even Virtual Operators (MVNOs) offer attractive global packages where the cost of calling to the EU can fall to 0.29–0.39 PLN per minute or even be included in the subscription. In this context Orange's movement looks like a desperate effort to catch up with regulatory reality, not a real consequence to marketplace needs.
Moreover, the amendment concerns only individual customers. Entrepreneurs who regularly usage global connections in contacts with partners from Germany, the Netherlands or Norway, They won't even see the 2 cents difference. – their offer is governed by another rules and requires separate renegotiation.
The European Union is forcing change – but in favour of customers?
EU Regulation 2022/612, which is behind this amendment, is the next phase of the strategy "Roam Like At Home” having reduce the cost gap between associate States. But reality is more complex. Operators in countries specified as Poland, Bulgaria and Romania bear higher operating costs compared to revenue, so the implementation of these regulations directly affects their profitability.
Effect? alternatively of extremist reductions, we have false correctionslike the 1 in Orange – two cents less, but only on paper, without changing the structure of tariffs, packages or benefits. Brussels may boast of a "consumer concern", but for the average user these actions stay invisible and practically worthless.
Orange warns customers: don't you want a lower price? You can break the deal.
One of the more controversial elements of the full situation is the formal information from Orange that customers who do not accept price changemay terminate the agreement to May 14, 2025. In practice, this is an information work under telecommunications law, but the way it is presented raises doubts.
On the 1 hand, the operator encourages the joy of the reduction, on the another hand, risks: "If you terminate the contract, we will charge compensation for the remaining time until the end of the contract.It’s okay. ” Which is to say brutally: You have no choice, even if you think it's a joke.. And just specified a message – under the coat of expected simplification – annoys customers more than the amount alone.
What next with the prices of abroad connections in Poland?
Telecommunication marketplace experts in Poland foretell that The biggest changes are just ahead. The European Commission is already working on further regulations that they have equalise the costs of all basic services (SMS, MMS, talks, data) in the EU and EEA.
This means that in the coming years 12-24 months we can see real price revolutions, not only in voice calls but besides in online packages. Against this background Orange's action looks like an effort to anticipate a wave of change that will come anyway – regardless of the operator's will.
Much will besides depend on competition. If Play, T-Mobile or Plus decide on more aggressive reductions, Orange will be forced to react, whatever the EU regulation says. For now, however, Orange's client must settle for 2 cents of savings and a deceptive impression that his interests are protected.
Consumer advice: compare, ask, negotiate
If you truly care low cost of abroad connections, do not be deceived by the appearance of “system discounts”. Instead:
- compare alternate operators (MVNO) – frequently offer much better rates,
- Check the availability of global packages – sometimes for a fewer PLN per period you will gain dozens of minutes of calls in the EU,
- negotiate with the current operator – loyal customers can frequently number on individual conditions,
- Consider utilizing IMs (VoIP) – for many people it is the only rational solution with frequent contact with abroad.
Remember: Orange lowers the prices not on its own, but on coercion. If you truly want to save – take matters into your own hands.
Continued here:
Orange discount on call prices. How much can you gain?
