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EU to abolish mobile roaming charges

Saqib Shah
April 3, 2014

The European Parliament has voted to banish roaming charges by Christmas 2015.

The decision constitutes part of the broader move towards the “Connected Continent” that would be created by a single telecoms market.

“This vote is the EU delivering for citizens,” said Neelie Kroes, European Commission VP.

“This is what the EU is all about ‘ getting rid of barriers to make life easier and less expensive. I am so pleased that we are now just one step from ending roaming charges and delivering net neutrality for all Europeans. This is an historic day for the open Internet.”

The finer nuances of the net neutrality law have yet to be ratified, with the ‘final’ agreement around the regulations expected by the end of 2014.

While there could still be some twists and turns with the finer details still to be ironed out, for now all the focus will be placed on this: no more roaming charges in Europe from 15 December, 2015. Though this is still subject to approvals from all member states of the EU.

Similarly, there has been some “reasonable use” provisions built in to this specific legislation to try and prevent someone from procuring a mobile phone plan in a cheaper EU country, and using it exclusively in another.

The main focus with this ruling is to ensure that you pay the same for calls, texts and data across the EU, as you do in your home country.

Other nuggets worth mentioning include making it easier to switch contract if you’re unhappy with your service, while contract rules will also apply to non-telecoms elements of bundles, such as TV. And there will be no automatic extension of contract terms unless a permanent rolling contract has been agreed with the customer.

“We should know what we are buying, we should not be ripped-off, and we should have the opportunity to change our mind,” said Kroes.

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About the Author

Saqib Shah

Tech/gaming journalist for What Mobile magazine and website. Interests include film, digital media and foreign affairs.

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