Published: Tue, 27 October 2015
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The end of mobile roaming charges in Europe by mid-2017 shows the effectiveness of the EU, Seán Kelly MEP said in welcoming a crucial vote in the European Parliament today (Tuesday).
“By mid-2017, extortionate roaming charges will be a thing of the past. Consumers will no longer be ripped off when paying for mobile calls, texts and data when they travel to another EU Member State.
“This is a clear example of the effectiveness of the EU in action,” said Mr Kelly, who called on UK citizens to consider this in terms of the upcoming referendum on EU membership.
“I ask Eurosceptic politicians to check their phone bill the next time they return from their travels abroad and ask themselves if they will be happy once today’s decision comes into effect.
“I’m confident that the decisions we make, such as this one – ending ridiculous roaming charges and putting more money into the pockets of holidaymakers, will help the people of the UK to see what they have to gain by staying in the EU.”
Mr Kelly, the leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, added that the end of roaming fees is good news for Irish businesses who wish to expand:
“SMEs are our biggest employers, yet currently only 7 percent of them sell across borders – today’s decision is one step of a broad strategy that further encourage and help them to change this.”
“With the end to roaming charges, we tear down another big, unnecessary barrier and make it easier for Irish businesses to take advantage of the Single European Market,” he added.
Note:
Before the full abolishment of roaming charges in mid-2017, there will be a transitional period. From April 2016, roaming charges will be 4 times less expensive than today for many people. Operators will only be able to charge a small additional amount to domestic prices up to €0.05 per minute of call made, €0.02 per text send, and €0.05 per Megabyte of data (excluding VAT)
