16 May 2007
After an initial delay following disagreements between members of European parliament (MEPs), it looks like holidaymakers will be able to make cheaper calls as soon as this summer.
Calls from any EU state back home will cost a maximum of 34 pence, with the cost of receiving calls from the UK dropping to just 16 pence, under the rulings of a new compromise thrashed out by MEPs yesterday.
Currently, Brits can pay up to 1 a minute to make a call in Europe thanks to excessive roaming charges, but consumers campaigners and MPs have fought to have these unfair charges brought down while travelling on the continent.
Further price cuts are expected in 2008 and again in 2009, provided the telecommunications ministers from each of the European states agree to the charges.
Margaret Hodge, the trade and industry secretary, told the Telegraph that the government was also pushing to make sure the consumer didn't find themselves having to pay extra for handsets and tariffs in order to compensate for the new prices, adding: "Discussions are clearly moving quickly - and in the right direction."
However, several mobile phone network operators have condemned the move, declaring that the lower rates are bad from a competition point of view. Speaking to the Independent, a spokesperson from an unnamed operator said: "We have deep reservations about this whole process."
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© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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