The EU commission have withdrawn their plans for free mobile phone roaming just days after its launch.
The EU commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker made the decision to re-draft the free roaming plan after a backlash from consumer groups over the 90-day limit that has been proposed; instead of implementing a total end of roaming charges from network providers.
Speaking on Wednesday, Mr Juncker’s spokesman Margaritis Schinas insisted the proposals amounted to an end to higher bills.
He said: “Let me be very clear, we have put an end to roaming.
“Roaming means travelling, means moving around the European Union, going on holiday. The Europeans who travel do so on an average of 12 days per year.
“The commission, with our guidelines, have gone much further by abolishing roaming charges for at least 90 days per year,” he added.
The plans for free roaming to be abolished was first announced back in 2015 – with the policy thought to be the starting point for a single telecoms market.
Plans were initially opposed by mobile phone providers who currently maximise their profits by charging customers exorbitant rates when the go abroad. Whilst there have been some reductions in roaming tariffs within the EU, the new rules were not set to be rolled out until June 2017. With these plans currently withdrawn it is unclear when free roaming will be available to customers.
Related post: http://clickitc.co.uk/strings-attached-eus-elimination-roaming-charges
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