The European Regulators Group (ERG) has released its latest report on international roaming on the public mobile telephone networks, with reference to the period between 1 October 2007 and 31 March 2008, covering, therefore, the first six months of the full functioning of the corresponding European Regulation (Regulation EC 717/2007 of 27 June).
This second ERG compilation of data - the first was carried out between 1 April and 30 September 2007 - indicates that the average national wholesale and retail prices of the Eurotariff (implemented fixed price) complies with regulation in all Member States. However, the retail prices are at the limit or slightly below this level in two thirds of countries. At the wholesale level, a clear drop in prices is evident compared to the situation before the Regulation entered into force. As far as text messages (SMS) are concerned, few significant price changes were detected, either in the wholesale or retail market. In terms of data, differences between Member States were recorded for the average price per megabyte, with particularly significant differences seen at retail level.
Entitled ''ERG Benchmark Report on International Roaming'', the document also reveals that the number of billed roaming minutes significantly exceeds the actual time used - 24 per cent in retail for calls made, and 19 per cent at wholesale level, for calls received, with reference to the Eurotariff.
The ERG considers it premature to reach conclusions as to the implementation of the Roaming Regulation and will continue to study the situation in the Member States, emphasising the importance of the next compilation of data (from April to September 2008), given that this period will cover the peak of the holiday period and will complete a year of information on the effective implementation of the Regulation. In the meantime, it is intended with the reports now available to supply the European Commission with basic information for the review of the Regulation planned for the end of 2008.
More info:
- Roaming https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=188342
- International Roaming - ERG Benchmark Data Report for October 2007 - March 2008 https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=635758
