PvdA Europees parlement
cheaper phone calls from abroad in time for summer holidays
22 april 2009
Socialists have led a campaign that will result in cheaper phone
charges when EU citizens travel abroad.
MEPs will vote later today (Wednesday) on the agreed package to cut
roaming charges for calling, texting and internet surfing on mobile
phones in the plenary session in Strasbourg.
As a result of the measures, the price of 'roaming' calls (calls from
abroad) will drop continuously over the next three years so that by
July 2011 outgoing calls will cost a maximum of 0.35 per minute and
incoming calls a maximum of 0.11 per minute (excluding VAT).
Reino Paasilinna MEP, the Socialist 'shadow rapporteur' on the
European Parliament's Industry (ITRE) Committee, said: - "We have seen
to it that cheaper mobile phone calls and texts will come into force
in time for this summer's holiday. The prices will start dropping from
1st July, providing real savings for holidaymakers.
"Socialists have defended the rights of consumers, while allowing the
telecomms companies to continue to make a reasonable profit from both
their wholesale and retail charges. We would like to go further but
our compromise will help consumers by a long way," he said.
Texting while abroad will cost a maximum of 11 cents from July 2009.
The maximum cost of other data roaming services such as sending emails
and web-browsing will drop from 1.00 per megabyte from July 2009 to
0.50 per megabyte from July 2011.
The law will also introduce a new system of transparency for 'data
roaming'. Reino Paasilinna added: - There is still more to deliver for
consumers. We have agreed on transparency, but in the long run, we
must also tackle overcharging for data roaming.
"Many EU citizens would expect to access the internet on holiday, and
they should not pay a ridiculously high charge for this."