Mobile broadband customers across Europe are to be protected from 'bill shocks' when surfing the internet in other countries, it has been announced.

From the start of this month, new European Union (EU) rules mean mobile network operators must offer consumers a cut-off limit facility which will stop them from running up large bills while abroad.

The mechanism will function by giving people a warning before disconnecting their mobile connection when the bill reaches a certain limit.

Consumers will be given the chance to choose their limit up until July 1st, although those who do not will see a default of €50 (£45) introduced.

Neelie Kroes, the EU's Digital Agenda Commissioner, said: "Protection against data roaming bill shocks is a useful step towards building customers' confidence to use mobile networks to surf the Internet when travelling around Europe.

"Such confidence is essential if people and businesses are to use the internet to its full potential."

Orange recently announced the launch of a new data roaming bundle offering 2MB for €2.