James Delahunty
10 May 2012 14:14
MEPs agree on price caps, operator freedom.
Among the new regulations is a maximum limit of 70 cent per MB of data used while roaming within the EU, far below what some carriers are currently charging. Calls will also be capped at a maximum of 29c per minute (excluding VAT).
Additionally, customers can also choose a different operator abroad if they choose to do so. "In a borderless Europe, there is no place for charges that diverge so much at home and abroad," said MEP Ivo Belet.
The European Parliament is introducing these new regulations, amongst others, to prevent occurrences of bill shock within the European market. The new rules will result in significant savings costs for business travellers in the EU, and it also encourages carriers to compete, according to the EU.
The new regulations will come into effect in the European market in 2014.