West Tyrone Sinn Fein Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Sinn Féin welcome cuts in EU mobile roaming charges

Published: 8 July, 2010

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Represenative Glenn Campbell has welcomed reduction in mobile roaming charges.

West Tyrone Sinn Féin Represenative Glenn Campbell has welcomed reduction in mobile roaming charges.

Sinn Féin west Tyrone representative Glenn Campbell has welcomed cuts in EU mobile phone roaming charges which came into effect on 1st July. This move comes in time for many people from the north who will travel on summer holidays across Europe over the next number of months.

Only two years ago mobile operators were forced to set compulsory maximum roaming rates to tackle what EU Telecoms Commissioner Viviane Reding called the "roaming rip-off".

The reduction in the roaming charges will see making a call within the EU being cut from 43 cent per minute excluding VAT to 39 cent a minute. The reduction will also extend to receiving a call will now cost a maximum of 15 cent down from 19 cent. Also, from 1st July, operators will be required to impose a monthly default cut-off for data roaming of €50. Consumers will also be allowed to select a different cut-off limit if offered by the operator or opt out of this bill shock safeguard entirely.

The new regulations also mean that operators are obliged to send users a warning when they reach 80% of their data-roaming bill limit. The operator will be required to cut off the mobile internet connection once the limit has been reached, unless the customer has indicated they want to continue data roaming.

Speaking following the reduction Sinn Féin representative Glenn Campbell had this to say:

"I would like to welcome this reduction in the price of roaming charges, particularly the new regulations regarding data-roaming. However, it is somewhat disappointing that the mobile phone operators were forced into making this decision, rather than taking the initiative themselves.

"Roaming charges, particularly in Ireland are affecting many on a daily basis particularly in border areas. Many people in these areas are quite often being erroneously charged for roaming when in fact they haven't left their own homes.

"This price cap has come at an apt time given that many families will be traveling throughout Europe for their summer holidays over the next few months. It will ensure that these customers are treated with a degree of fairness. It will also ensure that the family holiday doesn't have unexpected hidden charges, which must be welcomed, given the current struggle families face on a daily basis."