EU plans to end roaming charges

In its effort to reform the telecoms market, the European Commission is proposing to scrap mobile phone roaming charges across Europe.

08:26 12 September 2013

The European Commission has revealed "the most ambitious plan in 26 years of telecoms market reform.” Under this proposal, which was made with both telecom companies and consumers in mind, mobile phone roaming charges will be scrapped across Europe. This will help consumer reduce their bills when they go abroad and will simplify red tape for mobile companies. Under the proposal, telecoms companies will not be allowed to charge for incoming calls from July 2014 and by 2016, all other roaming charges would be scrapped.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said: "Further substantial progress towards a European single market for telecoms is essential for Europe's strategic interests and economic progress.”

"For the telecoms sector itself and for citizens who are frustrated that they do not have full and fair access to Internet and mobile services."

Also, the proposal aims to unify the telecom market. Instead of 28 separate regulations, telecom companies will only need one authorisation to operate in all countries. This means that customers will expect the same rules and prices.

The proposal is subject for approval by the 28 EU members and European lawmakers.