MEPs vote to cut roaming costs

MEPs today backed plans to slash the cost of mobile phone "roaming" charges that consumers pay to make and receive mobile calls…

MEPs today backed plans to slash the cost of mobile phone "roaming" charges that consumers pay to make and receive mobile calls while abroad.

A 45-3 vote of the European Parliament's Industry Committee in Brussels supported compulsory price limits - potentially reducing phone bills by two-thirds in some cases.

The MEP who pushed through a compromise proposal, Paul Rubig, urged EU ministers afterwards to speed through a final deal and bring in lower rates in time for the summer holidays when many Europeans are faced with "outrageous" roaming costs.

"This is a clear signal from the European Parliament to consumers, as well as for the telecoms industry. We are not fixing prices, we are setting a maximum level which may not be exceeded," he said.

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MEPs are also demanding automatic text messaging detailing roaming rates per minute to each user and a "warning icon" on all mobile phones, reminding callers they are "roaming".

Mr Rubig explained: "What we want for mobile phone users is price transparency, just as you expect in a restaurant - you don't order a meal and only find out a few weeks later what it cost when the bill comes in."