New EU mobile phone roaming charge cuts come into force
New rules concerning the cost of connecting to the internet with your mobile phone when in another EU country  come into force today (Thursday 1st July), in time for the summer break.
Euro MP and Consumer Champion, Stephen Hughes  said:
“Mobile phone companies were given ample opportunity to act on the cost of using phones in another EU country. In the end it has taken EU action on every issue – calling, texting and now data roaming - to bring prices down.”
“The message is clear, we will take on industry when there is clear evidence of over-charging and we will win a fairer deal for consumers.”
“This is more good news on prices for mobile phone users. Since we brought in the law we have slashed costs by 73% on average compared to 5 years ago.”
“Consumers can now holiday and work in Europe safe in the knowledge that they won’t be coming home to a rip-off mobile phone bill on their doormat!”
Notes for Editors:
For more information contact Cyndi Beaver: 07764198400

As of 1 July 2010:
• Operators will have to impose a monthly default cut-off for data roaming of €50 (£41.50). Consumers can also select a different cut-off limit if offered by the operator or opt out of this bill shock safeguard entirely.
• Operators are obliged to send users a warning they reach 80% of their data-roaming bill limit. The operator will have to cut off the mobile internet connection once the limit has been reached, unless the customer has indicated they want to continue data roaming.
• Prices for mobile roaming calls will be reduced further with a maximum tariff of 32p per minute for calls made and 12.5p per minute for calls received.
• The maximum wholesale prices for data roaming fall from €1 to €0.80 per MB.
• Receiving a voice mail message while roaming will become free of charge.
What remains in force?
• The price for sending a text message while roaming in the EU is still limited to a maximum of €0.11. Receiving an SMS in another EU country is free of charge.
• For roamed calls, operators are obliged to use per second billing after the first 30 seconds for calls made and immediately for calls received.
• Citizens should be kept adequately informed of the charges that apply for roaming services.