The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union have reached an agreement to abolish roaming charges in Europe and to guarantee an open internet.
Almost two years after the European Commission put forward its proposal for a single telecoms market, an agreement has been reached, under which:
- As of 15 June 2017, consumers travelling within the EU will pay the same price for calls, messages and mobile data as they pay in their countries of origin, subject to a fair use policy (based on a certain volume, yet to be defined, of minutes, SMS and data). Operators may apply a surcharge for roaming if the volumes included in the fair use policy are exceeded. Provision is also made for a principle of cost recovery by operators, subject to the approval of national regulatory authorities (NRAs).
- A reduction in current tariffs between April 2016 and 14 June 2017, before roaming tariffs are due to end on 15 June 2017; during this period operators will start to charge users an amount equivalent to their domestic tariffs, which may be increased by up to 0.05 euros per minute for voice calls, 0.02 euros per SMS and 0.05 euros per megabyte for data.
- Until April 2016, the current maximum prices for the Euro-voice, Euro-SMS tariff and the Euro-data, will remain in effect (0.19 euros per minute, 0.06 euros per SMS and 0.20 euros per megabyte, excluding VAT).
- New rules on access to the Internet will allow users to access content of their choice without having access blocked or slowed down, except in exceptional circumstances. Operators will also be required to treat all traffic classes in a non-discriminatory manner and ensure their quality.
- New consumer protection rules on roaming and open Internet will increase the amount of information given to consumers on pricing and quality of service.
This is an interim agreement, which has yet to be formally approved by the European Parliament and the Council.
Further information:
- Commission welcomes agreement to end roaming charges and to guarantee an open Internet http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-15-5265_en.htm
