End of roaming charges: Commission determined to make it work

Yesterday the College of Commissioners discussed draft rules, reinforcing the approach adopted by the College in September, to end roaming charges in the EU as of 15 June 2017. Yesterday’s discussion follows intensive exchanges with the European Parliament, Member States, stakeholders, consumer representatives, regulators and operators. The draft rules further clarify consumer rights and introduce safeguards to ensure the most competitive domestic offers remain attractive. Vice-President in charge of the Digital Single Market Andrus Ansip said: “We are providing a balanced solution which is in the interest of everyone who uses mobile phones and devices. Every European will be able to roam without extra charges. Every European should also be able to benefit from the most competitive domestic offers. In close cooperation with European consumers, we have designed safeguards to ensure travellers benefit from “Roam like at Home”, while avoiding negative effects on the most competitive domestic data packages. It is now up to EU Member States to support what we are proposing in order to make Europeans’ lives easier, cut bills and keep prices down.” Following yesterday’s College discussion, the draft legislation (an Implementing Act) has now been sent to Member States, who will meet on Monday 12 December to vote on the text.