Liz Lynne welcomes tougher EU cap on mobile roaming fees

4.29.07pm BST (GMT +0100) Sat 3rd Jul 2010

LibDem Euro MP Liz Lynne has welcomed even tougher rules to limit charges for using a mobile phone in another EU country, which came into force on July 1st.

The next phase of the European Union's Data Roaming regulation were applied a fortnight after mobile phone operators lost their bid to outlaw the principle of an EU cap on roaming charges at the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

The rules also stop consumers running up huge bills when surfing the web using mobile networks via a mobile phone or a laptop when they are abroad in the EU. The cap follows one case where a French man was billed €46,000 euros for watching a film on his internet capable phone while in another EU country.

As of 1 July 2010, the Roaming Regulations include:

• a monthly default cut-off for data roaming of €50 to stop 'bill shocks'.

Consumers can choose a different limit or opt out entirely. A warning is sent when downloads reach 80% of the limit. The operator must cut off the internet connection once the limit is reached, unless the customer indicates they want to continue.

• mobile roaming call charges are being cut further with a maximum tariff of €0.39 (about 33p) per minute for calls made and €0.15 per minute for calls received

• The maximum wholesale price for data roaming falls from €1 to €0.80 per MB.

• Receiving a voice mail will now be free.

Earlier rules still in force include:

• Sending a text while roaming in the EU is limited to €0.11, while receiving one is free.

• Operators must use per second billing after the first 30 seconds for calls made and for all of calls received.

• Customers must be kept fully informed by SMS or other means of their operator's charges.

Liz Lynne said:

"Today's even tougher rules are great news for anyone who wants to stay in touch by phone when travelling around EU countries, either for work or on holiday.

"The price cap was clearly much needed as there are some horrendous examples of ludicrous charges being slapped on phone and laptop users by operators who were completely beyond the reach of national regulators like Ofcom.

"I have had examples of eye watering bills from people in my own constituency who had no idea they were incurring such massive charges. The cap means this abuse of power will stop.

"We need the EU to stand up for the ordinary consumer against unfair monopoly profits by huge multinational firms outside the control of national governments."

ENDS