EU abolishes data roaming charges

In a big step towards the adoption of the Digital Single Market in Europe, the commission has reached a preliminary agreement to end data roaming charges for citizens travelling across the 28 member states. “This means the end of roaming charges as Europeans experience them today in their daily life,” it wrote in a press release.

For a 14-month period beginning April 2016, telecom operators will be permitted to add surcharges, but roaming charges for calls and data will be capped at 25 percent. Then as of June 15 2017, no extra fees will be charged for using mobile devices when travelling throughout the EU.

Adopting a clear set of rules regarding net neutrality throughout Europe is essential in the functionality of the EU’s Digital Single Market strategy

European-wide net neutrality rules have also been outlined for the first time; thereby obligating operators to treat all internet traffic equally and barring paid prioritisation. Blocking or throttling online content will only be allowed in cases that present a cyber threat. “This is also very important for start-up businesses that commercialise their products and services via the Internet and need to be able to compete on an equal footing with larger players,” reads the statement.

The deal also outlines greater consumer protection in order to ensure that users are fully informed of their roaming rights and enabling them to detect breaches of open internet rules.

Moreover, the new regulations also protect mobile operators from common abusive practices, such as customers using a domestic subscription plan while living abroad or using SIM cards brought in other EU countries that are cheaper than domestic tariffs.

Currently, mobile users tend to switch off roaming when travelling abroad due to excessively high charges and unpleasant surprises when returning home from a trip. The aim of the new agreement hopes to abolish this fear and encourage EU citizens to use their devices fully when in other EU countries, thus providing far greater opportunities for online businesses and services across the region.

Adopting a clear set of rules regarding net neutrality throughout Europe is essential in the functionality of the EU’s Digital Single Market strategy, which was adopted on May 6 2015. The EU estimates that the Digital Single Market can contribute €415bn a year to the European economy, while creating an estimated 3.8 million jobs and transforming internet services.