Published: Thu, 20 March 2014
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Mobile roaming charges could be completely abolished in Europe by 2015 if Sean Kelly and fellow MEPs belonging to the European Parliament’s Industry Committee receive the support of the Parliament in an important vote due to take place in April.
The Fine Gael MEP, who is a member of the Industry Committee, welcomed this week’s committee vote to abolish roaming charges in Europe by 2015. The proposal is expected to receive the further backing of the European Parliament when the vote comes before MEPs in April.
Mr Kelly has campaigned for reduced roaming rates and will continue to seek the complete abolishment of roaming fees.
“Mobile communication is now vital to every business and almost every citizen. Smart phone usage is particularly integral for those travelling on business across Europe or in general while on holiday. Consumers should not be unfairly penalised for using their mobile phones in another European country,” Mr Kelly said in Brussels today.
Thanks to new laws passed by MEPs and Sean Kelly, the already reduced roaming rates will be further lowered this summer.
“By July 2014, when travelling in another EU country, mobile phone users will pay no more than 19 cent per minute to make a voice call from their mobiles. Users will be charged 5 cent per minute to receive a call and no more than 6 cent per text message sent. The maximum data download charge will be 20 cent per megabyte.”
Mr Kelly will vote in favour of abolishing mobile roaming fees in Europe at the European Parliament’s April plenary session.
