EC to Cut Cost of Texting and Mobile Data Abroad
Mobile phone users in the EU can expect the cost of sending text messages between EU countries to go down by next year, according to plans from the European Commission (EC).
This week, the EC proposed to reduce the price of roaming text messages by 60 per cent as of 1 July 2009. EU citizens traveling in other EU countries should pay no more than 0.11 euro (excluding VAT) per text message, compared to the current EU average of 0.29 euro. According to the proposal, the wholesale cap for text messages will be 0.04 euro.
The Commission also wants to improve transparency for surfing the web and downloading data on a mobile phone while abroad: consumers used to cheaper data services at home should be better protected against roaming “bill shock.” The proposals will now be submitted to the European Parliament and Council, who must agree before they become law.
In the summer of 2007, the EU already reduced charges for making and receiving calls abroad by 60 per cent.
Related: Parliament vote paves way for Single Telecoms Market in Europe.
Also noteworthy: Mobile operators clash with Brussels.
Source: EC
