EU 'waters down' mobile phone roaming plan

The European Commission has watered down plans to cut the "roaming" costs of using a mobile phone abroad after opposition from…

The European Commission has watered down plans to cut the "roaming" costs of using a mobile phone abroad after opposition from telecoms operators and some senior officials in Brussels, according to reports.

A report in today's edition of the Financial Timessaid EU Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane

Reding had made a partial climbdown by agreeing to allow mobile phone companies to charge customers to receive calls in other EU countries although prices would be regulated.

Ms Reding is due to ask fellow commissioners to adopt her plan formally tomorrow.

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The newspaper reported there would also be a six-month delay to cap fees for consumers making calls while in another EU state.

Sources previously said Ms Reding was under pressure to make both those changes.

Big operators such as Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom have already announced plans to cut roaming fees in anticipation of the new rules.