Today the European Commission adopted an ambitious “connected continent” proposal that would push telecom operators to eliminate roaming charges by 2014. If approved, the plan also sets reasonable caps for call rates and introduces rules designed to stimulate investment and protect users.
Mobile operators have strongly criticized the proposal, arguing that removing roaming fees entirely would cost the industry around €7 billion (£5.9 billion). The Commission’s package, however, includes measures intended to offset that loss: operators would still be able to charge premium rates for data-heavy services delivered at very high speeds, allowing them to monetize network investments.
One central objective is to encourage telecom companies to invest more in network infrastructure so higher data speeds and better coverage can be maintained. Strengthening Europe’s networks is seen as essential to keeping the region competitive with counterparts in Asia and North America. For example, Hong Kong’s average broadband speed is about 63.6 Mbps, compared with roughly 14.7 Mbps in the UK—evidence, proponents say, that faster networks can yield clear benefits.
Under the proposal, cross-border calls while travelling within the EU would be capped at €0.19 per minute, and receiving calls while roaming would become free. Regulators expect increased usage to partially compensate carriers for reduced roaming revenue.
The plan also includes protections for so-called over-the-top (OTT) services such as Skype: operators would be prevented from blocking access to these services for anti-competitive reasons. At the same time, Internet service providers could offer paid prioritization to services and applications provided that such arrangements do not undermine regular internet access for other users—an attempt to balance net neutrality principles with incentives for investment.
Another major element is support for offloading mobile traffic onto local area networks (for example, Wi‑Fi), which can improve overall network reliability and reduce pressure on mobile spectrum. The Commission proposes removing regulatory barriers that have limited the use of such offloading, promoting a more sustainable and resilient approach to delivering mobile data.
To accelerate change, the Commission is offering telecoms operators fewer restrictions today if they commit to eliminating roaming fees by 2014. One consumer-focused measure would allow customers on operators that continue to charge roaming fees to buy cross-border call, text and data services from another provider without swapping SIM cards or receiving separate bills—making it easier for users to avoid excessive charges while conserving convenience.
“The European Commission says no to roaming premiums, yes to net neutrality, yes to investment, yes to new jobs,” EU telecoms commissioner Neelie Kroes said in a statement, summarizing the policy’s aims: lower costs for consumers, robust protections for an open internet, and incentives for network upgrades that support economic growth.
Before these reforms take effect, they must be approved by the 28 EU member states and the European Parliament—a political process that will involve debate and compromise. Longer-term ambitions include creating a single European telecoms regulator to reduce fragmentation and streamline decision-making. Achieving that would be difficult, as it requires shifting authority from established national regulators such as Ofcom, but proponents argue it is a necessary step toward an integrated digital market.
The Commission’s plan represents a significant push toward cheaper, fairer and faster communications across Europe, while seeking to preserve incentives for investment. If adopted, the measures would change how consumers use mobile services when travelling, how operators prioritize and monetize traffic, and how national regulators coordinate across borders.
What do you think about the European Commission’s connected continent proposal announced today?