EU data roaming charges to end this week
Charges have been gradually reducing over recent years, and the EU claims to have trimmed them by 91 per cent since 2007
By Karen Gilchrist
Mobile phone users in Europe will soon be free to use their regular call, text and internet allowances anywhere within the EU at no extra cost under new rules which abolish data roaming charges across the union.
As of Thursday June 15, all mobile network operators in Europe will be prohibited from charging additional fees for overseas use within the EU as part of continued efforts by the EU to forge a Digital Single Market across EU member states.
The rules, which seek to replicate the EU’s tariff-free single market for trade, will allow customers to “roam like at home” and should prevent hidden costs when users return home from holiday, according to the European Commission, which first announced the plans in June 2015.
However, consumer watchdog Which? has warned consumers to remain cautious when using their phones abroad in order to avoid any nasty surprises. Here’s watch to look out for.
Roaming charges are additional costs charged for making calls, sending texts and using internet data whilst overseas. These apply as soon as a mobile phone connects to a foreign network.
The EU is banning these following on-going demands from the public. These charges have been gradually reducing over recent years, and the EU claims to have trimmed them by 91 per cent since 2007.
