EU set to end roaming charges from June
The European Union (EU) announced that it is on target to deliver its promise to end roaming charges for mobile phones from 15 June for all residents who are travelling anywhere in EU member countries.
It cleared a major obstacle by agreeing to a cap on the wholesale prices that phone companies charge each other when their customers use their phones while travelling abroad. This agreement means that consumers will pay the same prices for text messages, data usage and calls regardless of where they are in the EU, eliminating the possibility of receiving huge bills during their travels. The agreement still needs final approval by the European Parliament and EU member states.
Andrus Ansip, the Digital Single Market’s Vice President, stated: “This was the last piece of the puzzle. As of 15 June, Europeans will be able to travel in the EU without roaming charges. We have also made sure that operators can continue competing to provide the most attractive offers to their home markets. Today, we deliver on our promise.”
Malta’s Digital Minister, Emmanuel Mallia, concurred: “Today’s decision is the final step in a process that started 10 years ago…roam like at home is now a reality.”
EU negotiators agreed to cap wholesale rates for voice calls at €0.032 per minute and SMS at €0.01 per minute effective 15 June, while caps on data usage rates will decline from €7.70 per GB effective 15 June to €2.50 per GB effective 1 January 2022.
UK consumers will benefit from the elimination of roaming charges as long as the UK remains a member of the EU, which is expected to end in spring 2019. Any benefit after that is dependent on Brexit negotiations.