24 May 2007
Euro MPs yesterday voted overwhelmingly in favour of slashing international roaming costs for mobile users in Europe, which could see the cost of making calls drop by up to 50% and receiving calls from the UK fall by up to 75%.
In addition, since the vote was passed quickly and had a large majority backing it, the changes could come in as soon as mid-August, meaning cheaper mobile bills for thousands of holiday makers.
Speaking after the announcement was made, EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding said: "Europe's internal market will finally become truly borderless, even for mobile bills."
She also declared that the move heralded the end of "rip-off prices", insisting that mobile phone operators would never have brought their roaming prices down on their own.
Chris Frost, Mobile Phone expert at leading price comparison and switching site uSwitch.com, welcomed the news but warned consumers to ensure they knew which countries they could expect the cheaper tariffs in before they make their calls.
"This new legislation does not take into account popular holiday and business destinations outside the EU such as the US, Canada, Australia, Switzerland and Asia," he explained, adding that since the changes don't include a reduction on the prices of text messages and data charges, operators could increase their prices here to make up the lost revenue.
Mr Frost also highlighted the fact that operators were only obligated to introduce the new tariffs within a month of the new regulations being published, meaning that many operators will choose not to advertise their new rates until after the holiday rush has passed.
"We urge all mobile customers planning on taking their phones away to request new roaming rates as soon as they come into force by calling their network providers," he concluded.
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© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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