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A2 noun 13 min read

roaming

Examples
Explanation roaming in your Level:
At the A1 level, learners are just beginning to grasp basic vocabulary related to travel and personal information. The word roaming is highly relevant for these beginners because it is an English loanword, making it instantly recognizable. When beginners travel to Portugal or Brazil, one of their first concerns is often how to use their mobile phones. Learning the word roaming at this stage allows them to ask simple, vital questions. They learn to pair it with basic verbs like 'ter' (to have) or 'querer' (to want). For instance, a beginner might learn to say 'Eu quero roaming' (I want roaming) or 'Onde tem roaming?' (Where is there roaming?). Although these sentences are grammatically simplistic, they are highly effective for basic communication in a store or hotel. The focus at this level is not on the complex technical or financial aspects of telecommunications, but simply on recognizing the word on signs, in text messages from their carrier, and being able to vocalize their need for internet access while abroad. It serves as a bridge word, building confidence because it sounds identical to their native language, reducing the cognitive load of learning entirely new vocabulary for a critical travel necessity. Teachers often introduce this word alongside basic travel vocabulary like aeroporto (airport), hotel, and passaporte (passport), as it fits perfectly into the survival vocabulary required for modern international travel.
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At the A2 level, learners can form more complex sentences and handle routine tasks. The word roaming becomes part of functional dialogues, such as interacting with a customer service representative or a store clerk. Learners at this stage are taught how to activate and deactivate features on their phones. They learn essential phrases like 'Como eu ligo o roaming?' (How do I turn on roaming?) and 'Eu preciso desativar o roaming' (I need to deactivate roaming). They also begin to understand the financial implications, learning vocabulary related to costs and bills. They can express concerns about prices, saying things like 'O roaming é muito caro' (Roaming is very expensive). At this level, the grammatical gender of the word (masculine: o roaming) is solidified, and learners practice using it with appropriate prepositions, such as 'em roaming' (in roaming). They can read simple text messages from their mobile operators warning them about roaming charges and understand the basic meaning. The word is used in role-play exercises where students pretend to be tourists arriving in a new country and needing to sort out their phone connectivity. This practical application ensures that the vocabulary is not just memorized, but actively used in realistic, everyday travel scenarios that an A2 learner is expected to navigate independently.
At the B1 level, learners are capable of maintaining conversations and expressing opinions. The discussion around roaming expands from simple transactions to sharing experiences and giving advice. A B1 learner can tell a story about a past trip where they forgot to turn off their data roaming and received a huge bill. They can use the past tense effectively: 'Eu esqueci de desligar o roaming e paguei muito' (I forgot to turn off roaming and paid a lot). They can also offer travel tips to friends, using the imperative or conditional moods: 'Você deveria desligar o roaming de dados' (You should turn off data roaming). At this stage, learners are introduced to the formal synonym 'itinerância' and learn to recognize it in written texts, even if they continue to use the English loanword in speech. They can understand more complex instructions on carrier websites about how to purchase international travel packs. The vocabulary broadens to include terms like 'pacote de dados' (data package) and 'cobertura' (coverage). They can participate in discussions about the convenience of modern travel compared to the past, using roaming as a key example of technological advancement. The focus is on fluency and the ability to navigate more nuanced situations, such as disputing a charge on a phone bill with a customer service agent in Portuguese.
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At the B2 level, learners have a strong command of the language and can discuss complex topics. The concept of roaming is used to discuss broader European or global policies. B2 learners can engage in debates about the European Union's 'Roam Like At Home' initiative. They possess the vocabulary to discuss regulations, consumer rights, and telecommunications economics. They can express detailed opinions on how the abolition of roaming charges has impacted tourism within Europe. Sentences become more complex: 'A abolição das taxas de roaming na União Europeia facilitou imenso a vida dos viajantes frequentes' (The abolition of roaming charges in the European Union has greatly facilitated the lives of frequent travelers). They can read and fully comprehend detailed contracts and terms of service regarding fair use policies for international data. At this level, learners understand the sociolinguistic aspect of using an Anglicism in Portuguese and can seamlessly switch between 'roaming' in casual conversation and 'itinerância' in formal writing if required. They can listen to news reports about telecommunications and understand the context without difficulty. The word is no longer just a survival tool for travel; it is a subject of socio-economic discussion, allowing the learner to demonstrate their fluency and cultural awareness of current events in Lusophone countries.
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At the C1 level, learners are approaching native-like proficiency. They can understand implicit meanings and use language flexibly for social, academic, and professional purposes. When discussing roaming, a C1 learner can delve into the technical mechanisms of telecommunications, discussing roaming agreements between multinational conglomerates. They can analyze the impact of Brexit on roaming charges for UK citizens traveling to Portugal, using sophisticated vocabulary and complex grammatical structures. They might write an essay or a professional report on the telecommunications market, utilizing terms like 'acordos bilaterais de itinerância' (bilateral roaming agreements) and 'tarifas de grossista' (wholesale tariffs). They are fully aware of the linguistic debate surrounding the adoption of English loanwords versus the preservation of Portuguese terminology, and can argue both sides eloquently. They can use the word humorously or metaphorically, perhaps describing someone who is unfocused or wandering as being 'em roaming mental' (in mental roaming). Their comprehension of regional accents and rapid speech is excellent, allowing them to easily understand customer service agents speaking quickly about complex billing issues. The word roaming is fully integrated into their extensive vocabulary, used with precision and an acute awareness of register, context, and audience.
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At the C2 level, learners possess a mastery of Portuguese that allows them to express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. A C2 speaker understands the historical, technological, and sociolinguistic evolution of the word roaming within the Portuguese language. They can critically analyze academic papers on telecommunications infrastructure or legal documents regulating international data transfer. They can seamlessly navigate the nuances between European Portuguese and Brazilian Portuguese regarding the pronunciation and contextual usage of the term. They might discuss the implications of 5G technology on future roaming capabilities or the geopolitical aspects of international network agreements. At this level, the learner can effortlessly correct native speakers on the precise legal definitions of 'itinerância' as defined by ANACOM (the Portuguese regulatory authority) versus the colloquial use of 'roaming'. They can write persuasive articles, deliver professional presentations, or engage in high-level negotiations involving telecommunications contracts. The word roaming is merely one small component of their vast linguistic repertoire, demonstrating their complete assimilation into the language and culture, capable of handling any linguistic challenge with absolute confidence and expertise.
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Examples
When you travel abroad and want to stay connected to the internet, make phone calls, or send text messages without changing your SIM card, you rely on a service known as roaming. In Portuguese, the word roaming is an Anglicism, meaning it was borrowed directly from the English language. It is used extensively in both Portugal and Brazil to describe the ability of a cellular customer to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data, or access other services, including home data services, when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of the home network, by means of using a visited network. This concept is fundamentally important for modern travelers, digital nomads, and business professionals who frequently cross international borders. To truly understand the impact of this word, we must look at how telecommunications have evolved over the past few decades. In the early days of mobile phones, crossing a border meant your phone simply stopped working. Today, thanks to international agreements between mobile network operators, your phone seamlessly transitions to a foreign network. The word roaming is universally understood in Portuguese-speaking countries, despite official attempts in Portugal to promote the term 'itinerância'. Understanding the mechanics of roaming can save you a significant amount of money. When you turn on your phone in a new country, it searches for available networks. Your home operator has agreements with specific operators in that country.

Eu preciso ativar o roaming internacional antes de viajar para a Europa.

This seamless transition is what makes modern travel so convenient. However, this convenience often comes at a premium cost, especially outside the European Union where 'Roam Like At Home' regulations do not apply.
Data Roaming
The use of mobile internet while connected to a foreign network, often the most expensive part of international phone usage.

Desligue os dados em roaming para não pagar taxas extras.

People use this word in various contexts, from casual conversations among friends planning a vacation to formal interactions with customer service representatives at telecommunications companies. It is a noun, generally treated as masculine in Portuguese (o roaming). You will often hear verbs like 'ativar' (activate), 'desativar' (deactivate), 'ligar' (turn on), and 'desligar' (turn off) collocated with it.
Voice Roaming
The ability to make and receive traditional phone calls while abroad, which is becoming less relevant with the rise of VoIP apps.

O custo do roaming no Brasil é muito alto para turistas.

In the context of European travel, the concept has drastically changed. In 2017, the European Union abolished roaming charges for people traveling periodically within the EU. This means that a Portuguese citizen traveling to Spain or France can use their phone exactly as they would at home, without paying extra.
SMS Roaming
Sending and receiving text messages internationally. Receiving SMS is often free, but sending them can incur charges.

Recebi uma mensagem sobre as tarifas de roaming assim que aterrei.

For English speakers learning Portuguese, mastering this word is quite straightforward because the spelling and the core meaning remain identical. The primary difference lies in the pronunciation, which adapts to Portuguese phonetics. The 'r' is often pronounced as a guttural 'h' in Brazilian Portuguese, and the '-ing' ending might sound more like '-in'.

O meu plano inclui roaming gratuito nos Estados Unidos.

Therefore, when you are at a Portuguese airport, hotel, or mobile carrier store, you can confidently use the word roaming to discuss your connectivity needs. It is an indispensable part of modern travel vocabulary.
Using the word roaming in Portuguese sentences is remarkably similar to how you would use it in English, given that it functions as a masculine noun. When constructing sentences, you will typically use the definite article 'o' (the) or the indefinite article 'um' (a/an) before it. For example, 'o roaming' refers to the specific service, while 'um roaming' might refer to a specific type of roaming plan, though the latter is less common. The most frequent verbs associated with this word relate to activation, deactivation, and payment. Let us explore the grammatical structures and practical applications of this essential travel term. When you want to tell someone to turn on their roaming, you would say 'ativar o roaming'. This is a direct and formal way of expressing the action, suitable for customer service interactions or technical instructions.

Como faço para ativar o roaming no meu celular?

Conversely, to prevent unwanted charges, you must 'desativar o roaming' or 'desligar o roaming'. This is perhaps the most crucial phrase a traveler can learn.
Roaming Internacional
The full term for international roaming, used to distinguish it from domestic roaming, which is rare but exists in large countries like Brazil.

O roaming internacional já está incluso na sua fatura.

You will also frequently encounter the term in prepositional phrases. For example, 'em roaming' means 'in roaming' or 'roaming' (as an adjective or state). If your phone is currently using a foreign network, you would say 'o meu telemóvel está em roaming'.
Tarifas de Roaming
Roaming charges or fees. This is the financial aspect that travelers are most concerned about when using their devices abroad.

As tarifas de roaming na Suíça são altíssimas.

Another common construction is 'roaming de dados', which translates directly to 'data roaming'. In the smartphone era, this is far more relevant than voice roaming. You might hear people asking, 'Tens o roaming de dados ligado?' (Do you have data roaming turned on?).
Acordo de Roaming
Roaming agreement. The legal and technical contract between two telecommunications operators that allows their customers to share networks.

A operadora assinou um novo acordo de roaming com a operadora espanhola.

When discussing plans and packages, the word is often used as a modifier. A 'pacote de roaming' is a roaming package or bundle. 'Eu comprei um pacote de roaming para a minha viagem ao Japão' means 'I bought a roaming package for my trip to Japan'. This shows how seamlessly the English loanword has integrated into Portuguese sentence structures.

Não se esqueça de verificar se o roaming está ativo antes de voar.

By mastering these common sentence patterns, you will be able to navigate telecommunications issues in any Portuguese-speaking environment with confidence and precision, ensuring you remain connected without facing unexpected financial burdens.
The word roaming is ubiquitous in specific contexts, primarily revolving around travel, telecommunications, and technology. If you are learning Portuguese and planning to visit Portugal, Brazil, or any other Lusophone country, you are almost guaranteed to encounter this word at several key touchpoints during your journey. Understanding where and how this word appears in everyday life will help you anticipate conversations and read signs or messages more effectively. The most immediate place you will encounter the word roaming is on your mobile phone itself. When you cross an international border or land at a foreign airport, your mobile operator will almost instantly send you an SMS notification. These messages are standard across the industry and serve as a legal disclaimer about the costs you might incur.

Bem-vindo a Portugal. As tarifas de roaming aplicáveis são as seguintes.

Beyond automated messages, you will hear the word roaming in physical telecommunications stores. Whether you walk into a MEO, NOS, or Vodafone store in Portugal, or a Vivo, Claro, or TIM store in Brazil, the staff will use this term. If you are a tourist looking to buy a local SIM card, the conversation will likely contrast the cost of a local plan with the high cost of using your home country's roaming service.
Lojas de Operadoras
Carrier stores are prime locations where tourists ask about connectivity and locals inquire about travel packages.

Fui à loja da operadora para perguntar sobre os pacotes de roaming.

You will also hear this word frequently in airports, hotels, and tourist information centers. Travelers often ask hotel receptionists for the Wi-Fi password specifically because they want to avoid roaming charges. 'Qual é a senha do Wi-Fi? Não quero usar o meu roaming' (What is the Wi-Fi password? I don't want to use my roaming) is a very common phrase.
Aeroportos
Airports are the frontline for roaming issues. Many kiosks sell travel SIM cards specifically to bypass these fees.

No aeroporto, vi várias propagandas sobre como evitar taxas de roaming.

In the corporate world, employees who travel for business frequently discuss roaming with their IT departments or managers. Companies often have specific corporate plans that include international data, and employees need to know if they are covered.
Ambiente Corporativo
The corporate environment often involves managing expenses related to international business trips, including telecommunications costs.

A empresa cobre todas as minhas despesas de roaming durante viagens de negócios.

Finally, the word appears extensively in technology blogs, news articles, and consumer protection forums. When the European Union changed its roaming laws, it was a massive news story in Portugal, dominating headlines.

Li um artigo sobre o fim das taxas de roaming na Europa.

Therefore, the word is not just a technical term; it is embedded in the daily life of anyone who engages in international travel, commerce, or tourism.
While the word roaming is borrowed directly from English and retains its original meaning, there are several common mistakes that learners of Portuguese, and sometimes even native speakers, make when using it. These mistakes usually involve pronunciation, grammatical gender, and confusion with related telecommunications concepts. Understanding these pitfalls will help you communicate more naturally and accurately. The most prominent mistake for English speakers is assuming the pronunciation remains exactly the same. In Portuguese, particularly in Brazil, the initial 'R' is often pronounced as a strong 'H' sound, similar to the English 'H' in 'house'.

A pronúncia correta de roaming varia entre Portugal e o Brasil.

Another common grammatical mistake is assigning the wrong gender to the noun. In Portuguese, all nouns have a gender, and loanwords usually adopt the masculine gender by default unless they end in an 'a' or refer to a female person. Roaming is strictly masculine. Saying 'a roaming' is incorrect; it must always be 'o roaming'.
Gênero Masculino
Always use masculine articles and adjectives: o roaming, um roaming, roaming ativado, roaming internacional.

O meu roaming está bloqueado pela operadora.

A frequent conceptual mistake is confusing roaming with long-distance calling (chamadas de longa distância or DDI). Long-distance calling is when you are in your home country and call a foreign number. Roaming is when you are physically in a foreign country using your phone. This distinction is crucial for understanding billing.
Chamadas Internacionais
Calling abroad from home. This is not roaming, and different tariffs apply.

Fazer uma chamada para a França de Portugal não é roaming, é uma chamada internacional.

Furthermore, some people mistakenly believe that connecting to a foreign Wi-Fi network constitutes roaming. Wi-Fi usage is entirely separate from cellular roaming. If your phone is in airplane mode with Wi-Fi turned on, you are not roaming and will not incur roaming charges from your mobile operator.
Wi-Fi vs Celular
Understand the difference between local wireless networks and cellular data networks to manage costs effectively.

Usar o Wi-Fi do hotel evita os custos de roaming de dados.

Lastly, there is a tendency to use the word as a verb in informal contexts, such as 'eu estou roaming'. While understandable, this is grammatically incorrect in Portuguese. You should say 'estou em roaming' (I am in roaming) or 'estou a usar o roaming' (I am using roaming).

O meu telemóvel está em roaming desde que cheguei a Madrid.

Avoiding these common mistakes will ensure that you use the term correctly, both grammatically and conceptually, allowing for smooth communication during your travels.
While roaming is the most widely understood and commonly used term in Portuguese for using a mobile device on a foreign network, there are other words and phrases that relate to this concept or serve as formal alternatives. Understanding these synonyms and related terms enriches your vocabulary and helps you navigate official documents, carrier websites, and technical discussions more effectively. The most direct, albeit formal, synonym in European Portuguese is 'itinerância'.

As taxas de itinerância, ou roaming, foram abolidas na União Europeia.

The word itinerância literally translates to itinerancy or roaming (in the sense of wandering). If you read a contract from a Portuguese telecom provider, you will likely see 'serviço de itinerância'. However, if you walk into a store and ask to activate your 'itinerância', the clerk might pause for a second before realizing you mean roaming.
Itinerância
The formal Portuguese translation of roaming, used primarily in legal, regulatory, and official European Union contexts.

O contrato menciona os custos de itinerância, que é o mesmo que roaming.

Another related concept is 'cobertura internacional' (international coverage). While not a direct synonym, it describes the broader concept of your phone working abroad. When people ask if their phone will work in another country, they are asking about international coverage, which is facilitated by roaming agreements.
Cobertura Internacional
Refers to the geographical areas outside your home country where your mobile operator provides service through partner networks.

A minha operadora tem excelente cobertura internacional, o que facilita o roaming.

You might also hear phrases like 'dados no exterior' (data abroad) or 'uso no estrangeiro' (usage abroad). These are descriptive phrases rather than specific technical terms. In Brazil, 'dados no exterior' is a very common way to refer to data roaming in a practical sense.
Uso no Estrangeiro
A general term for using any mobile services (voice, SMS, data) while in a foreign country.

O pacote inclui uso no estrangeiro sem custos adicionais de roaming.

When dealing with alternatives like eSIMs or local SIM cards, you might hear the term 'cartão SIM local' (local SIM card). This is the primary alternative to using roaming. Many travelers prefer to buy a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges entirely.

Prefiro comprar um cartão SIM local em vez de pagar o roaming.

In summary, while 'itinerância' is the correct formal term, roaming remains the undisputed champion in everyday usage across the Portuguese-speaking world.
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Examples by Level

1

Eu tenho roaming.

I have roaming.

Basic subject-verb-object structure.

2

O roaming é bom.

The roaming is good.

Using the masculine article 'o' with the noun.

3

Onde está o roaming?

Where is the roaming?

Question formation with 'onde' (where).

4

Eu quero roaming de dados.

I want data roaming.

Using 'querer' (to want) for requests.

5

O roaming funciona aqui?

Does roaming work here?

Simple present tense of 'funcionar' (to work).

6

Não tenho roaming.

I don't have roaming.

Basic negation with 'não'.

7

O roaming é caro.

Roaming is expensive.

Using adjectives to describe the noun.

8

Ligar o roaming.

Turn on roaming.

Using the infinitive for basic instructions.

1

Como eu ativo o roaming no meu celular?

How do I activate roaming on my cell phone?

Using 'como' (how) and the present tense of 'ativar'.

2

Eu preciso desativar o roaming agora.

I need to deactivate roaming now.

Using 'precisar' + infinitive.

3

O meu plano inclui roaming internacional.

My plan includes international roaming.

Using adjectives like 'internacional'.

4

Recebi uma mensagem sobre o roaming.

I received a message about roaming.

Past tense (perfeito) of 'receber'.

5

Você tem roaming de dados na Europa?

Do you have data roaming in Europe?

Asking questions about possession and location.

6

As tarifas de roaming são muito altas.

Roaming rates are very high.

Plural agreement: 'tarifas' and 'altas'.

7

Vou desligar o roaming para não pagar mais.

I will turn off roaming so I don't pay more.

Future with 'ir' + infinitive.

8

O hotel tem Wi-Fi, não preciso de roaming.

The hotel has Wi-Fi, I don't need roaming.

Connecting two simple clauses.

1

Esqueci-me de desligar o roaming e a conta foi enorme.

I forgot to turn off roaming and the bill was huge.

Reflexive verb 'esquecer-se' in the past tense.

2

Se viajares para fora da UE, cuidado com o roaming.

If you travel outside the EU, be careful with roaming.

Future subjunctive 'viajares' in a conditional clause.

3

Comprei um pacote especial para ter roaming nos Estados Unidos.

I bought a special package to have roaming in the United States.

Preposition 'para' expressing purpose.

4

A operadora enviou um SMS com os custos de roaming.

The carrier sent an SMS with the roaming costs.

Vocabulary expansion: 'operadora', 'custos'.

5

É melhor usar um cartão SIM local do que pagar o roaming.

It's better to use a local SIM card than to pay for roaming.

Comparatives: 'é melhor... do que...'.

6

O roaming de dados permite usar a internet em qualquer lugar.

Data roaming allows you to use the internet anywhere.

Verb 'permitir' followed by an infinitive.

7

Eles disseram que o roaming estava ativado, mas não funciona.

They said roaming was activated, but it doesn't work.

Reported speech and imperfect tense 'estava'.

8

Queria saber se o meu tarifário inclui roaming gratuito.

I would like to know if my tariff includes free roaming.

Polite request using the imperfect 'queria'.

1

A abolição das taxas de roaming na União Europeia foi uma grande vitória para os consumidores.

The abolition of roaming charges in the European Union was a great victory for consumers.

Complex sentence with abstract nouns like 'abolição' and 'vitória'.

2

Apesar de ter roaming, a velocidade da internet era extremamente lenta.

Despite having roaming, the internet speed was extremely slow.

Concessive clause starting with 'Apesar de'.

3

É essencial verificar a política de utilização responsável antes de usar o roaming intensivamente.

It is essential to check the fair use policy before using roaming intensively.

Formal vocabulary: 'política de utilização responsável'.

4

Se eu soubesse que o roaming era tão caro, teria comprado um cartão pré-pago.

If I had known roaming was so expensive, I would have bought a prepaid card.

Third conditional: Imperfect subjunctive + conditional perfect.

5

As operadoras de telecomunicações estabelecem acordos de roaming para garantir a cobertura global.

Telecommunications operators establish roaming agreements to ensure global coverage.

Professional vocabulary and plural structures.

6

Muitos viajantes dependem do roaming para aceder a mapas e aplicações de tradução.

Many travelers rely on roaming to access maps and translation apps.

Verb 'depender' requires the preposition 'de'.

7

O conceito de roaming aplica-se tanto a chamadas de voz como a dados móveis.

The concept of roaming applies to both voice calls and mobile data.

Correlative conjunctions: 'tanto... como...'.

8

Fui cobrado indevidamente por serviços de roaming que nunca ativei.

I was incorrectly charged for roaming services I never activated.

Passive voice: 'Fui cobrado'.

1

A diretiva europeia sobre a itinerância, vulgarmente conhecida como roaming, revolucionou o mercado das telecomunicações.

The European directive on roaming, commonly known as roaming, revolutionized the telecommunications market.

Apposition and formal vocabulary ('diretiva', 'itinerância').

2

A complexidade dos acordos bilaterais de roaming muitas vezes resulta em custos ocultos para o utilizador final.

The complexity of bilateral roaming agreements often results in hidden costs for the end user.

Advanced sentence structure and academic vocabulary.

3

Embora o roaming gratuito seja a norma na UE, existem exceções significativas que exigem uma leitura atenta do contrato.

Although free roaming is the norm in the EU, there are significant exceptions that require careful reading of the contract.

Subjunctive mood triggered by 'Embora' (Although).

4

O impacto do Brexit nas tarifas de roaming tem sido um motivo de preocupação constante para os expatriados.

The impact of Brexit on roaming tariffs has been a constant source of concern for expatriates.

Present perfect continuous equivalent (tem sido).

5

As operadoras virtuais enfrentam desafios únicos na negociação de taxas de roaming grossistas com as redes hospedeiras.

Virtual operators face unique challenges in negotiating wholesale roaming rates with host networks.

Technical industry jargon ('operadoras virtuais', 'taxas grossistas').

6

Para mitigar os riscos de faturas exorbitantes, as empresas impõem limites rígidos ao roaming corporativo.

To mitigate the risks of exorbitant bills, companies impose strict limits on corporate roaming.

Infinitive clause expressing purpose ('Para mitigar').

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