Published: Mon, 01 July 2013
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“Irish Mobile phone users will enjoy even cheaper mobile roaming charges from Monday, July 1st thanks to the latest reductions to be enforced under EU rules,” Sean Kelly MEP said.
The Ireland South MEP who helped negotiate the newly lowered costs as a member of the responsible Industry Committee at the European Parliament, says July 1st marks yet another significant day for citizens who have enjoyed reduced roaming fees since last summer:
“Some operators had been making profits of over 200% on the back of calls made by customers roaming in other EU countries or 400% for calls received while roaming. The fees imposed on mobile users were totally unfair and disproportionate, but that ended last summer as new EU rules applied. This year and summer 2014 will see further reductions enforced.”
New roaming rates from July 1st 2013
Under the new rules, applicable from July 2013, consumers travelling in another EU country will pay no more than:
• 24 cent per minute to make a voice-call (Down from 29 cent p/min since 2012)
• 7 cent per minute to receive a voice-call (Down from 8 cent p/min since 2012)
• 8 cent per text message sent (Down from 9 cent p/text since 2012)
• 45 cent per megabyte downloaded (internet usage charged by the kilobyte used)
New roaming rates from July 1st 2014
Under further decreases planned for July 2014, consumers travelling in another EU country will pay no more than:
• 19 cent per minute to make a voice-call
• 5 cent per minute to receive a voice-call
• 6 cent per text message sent
• 20 cent per megabyte downloaded (internet usage charged by the kilobyte used)
During negotiations, Mr Kelly was particularly vocal about the need to drastically reduce the charges for downloading data or internet usage: “Most people have smart phones now and many require them for work purposes. The exorbitant prices charged for internet usage was a huge hindrance to businesses who are already dealing with large overheads.
“Thankfully, July 1st 2013 will mark a significant drop in data charges which will save those travelling abroad a good deal of money. From Monday, it will cost 45 cent per megabyte downloaded, but again in 2014 it will be lowered to a more reasonable 20 cent per minute.”
However, Mr Kelly is encouraging mobile phone operators to consider offering their customers even lower rates than as outlined above and has urged customers to shop around for the best deal. “The roaming rip-off is ending so consumers should get the best deal possible.”
