New proposals from Brussels could cut data roaming charges within the EU by more than half and give travellers greater control over which network they connect to while abroad.
This week the European Commission is expected to unveil measures aimed at bringing the cost of international voice and data transfer closer to the level of domestic telecom tariffs. The initiative is intended to make roaming pricing fairer and more transparent for consumers travelling within the EU.
The current price caps on roaming charges were introduced four years ago and were further reduced in 2009. These caps were originally scheduled to expire in July 2012, but have since been extended until 2016 — a move that has frustrated several network operators that have repeatedly lobbied for the limits to be removed. Some firms have even taken legal action, unsuccessfully challenging the regulations in the European Court of Justice.
Under the existing rules, the maximum roaming charge is set at €0.35 per minute for calls made abroad and €0.11 per minute for calls received while travelling. The Commission’s forthcoming proposals are expected to lower those limits again, which could significantly reduce the cost of using mobile services across EU borders.
While lower roaming rates have cut into revenue for large operators such as Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Telecom, the changes are not necessarily all negative for the industry. Some companies argue that clearer, lower pricing could encourage greater usage and open new revenue opportunities.
Mobile messaging and data firm Acision recently told Reuters that increased transparency around roaming fees might boost consumer usage. Jonathan Pearson of Acision cited company research showing that 42 percent of consumers believe spending limits would encourage them to use mobile services more while roaming, and 41 percent would be willing to pay for real-time notifications about their usage. Such preferences suggest operators could introduce value-added services tied to roaming that both reassure customers and generate additional income.
Overall, the Commission’s proposals aim to balance consumer protection with a sustainable market for mobile operators. By reducing caps and improving transparency, the EU hopes to make mobile connectivity more affordable and predictable for travellers, while also encouraging new commercial models and services that can offset the impact on operator revenues.