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.
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."