Within Europe, the EU Commission has fulfilled its promise by reducing the price of EU roaming charges by at least 17 percent, as explained by EU Commission’s VP Neelie Kroes. This significant reduction marks a major step towards making communication more affordable for European citizens traveling across member states.
The new EU roaming charges are now 91 percent cheaper than they were back in 2007. This dramatic decrease includes a 12 percent reduction per minute for receiving calls, an 11 percent reduction for text messaging, and an impressive 36 percent reduction in data charges across networks in Europe.
Details of the New EU Roaming Charges
The new EU roaming charges price caps, which enter into force from 1st July 2013, are as follows:
– Downloading data or browsing the Internet – 45 cents / Megabyte (MB) (charged per Kilobyte used) + VAT. (36% reduction compared to 2012)
– Making calls – 24 cents / minute + VAT (17% reduction compared to 2012)
– Receiving a call – 7 cents / minute + VAT (12.5% reduction compared to 2012)
– Sending a text message – 8 cents + VAT (11% reduction compared to 2012)
– Operators are free to offer cheaper rates, and some have already begun to remove roaming premiums altogether for voice and SMS, or offer a roaming-free area region across one section of Europe or another.
These reductions are part of a broader effort by the EU to create a single digital market, which aims to eliminate barriers to online and mobile services across Europe. By reducing roaming charges, the EU Commission hopes to encourage more seamless communication and data usage for travelers, thereby fostering greater connectivity and economic integration within the region.
Impact on Consumers and Operators
For consumers, these changes mean more predictable and lower costs when using mobile services abroad. This is particularly beneficial for frequent travelers, business professionals, and tourists who rely on their mobile devices for communication, navigation, and accessing information. The reduction in data charges is especially significant given the increasing reliance on mobile internet for various applications, from social media to business tools.
For mobile operators, the new regulations present both challenges and opportunities. While the reduction in roaming charges may initially impact their revenue from roaming services, it also opens up new possibilities for innovative pricing models and service offerings. Some operators have already started to remove roaming premiums altogether for voice and SMS, or to offer a roaming-free area across certain regions of Europe. This competitive landscape encourages operators to differentiate themselves through better customer service and more attractive packages.
Moreover, the reduction in roaming charges aligns with the EU’s broader goals of enhancing digital infrastructure and promoting digital literacy. By making mobile services more affordable, the EU Commission is also addressing the digital divide and ensuring that more citizens can participate in the digital economy.
For more information on the new EU roaming charges, jump over to the European Commission website for details.
Source: EU
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