HomeInsightsEuropean rules on reduced roaming charges before their end in June 2017 come into force.

On 30 April new rules on roaming and net neutrality across the EU entered into force.

Calling, texting or surfing online from another Member State is now cheaper.  When travelling in the EU, mobile device users will only pay a small amount on top of their domestic prices: up to €0.05 per minute for calls, €0.02 for SMSs, and €0.05 per MB of data (excl. VAT).  This will be a short transition period since as from mid-June 2017, Europeans will pay the same price whether they use their mobile devices at home or elsewhere across the EU.  Commissioner Ansip, responsible for the Digital Single Market, said: “We’re in the home stretch now before the end of roaming charges in 2017.  This is not only about Europeans saving money, this is about bringing down barriers in the Digital Single Market”.

The Open Internet Access and Roaming Regulation (2015/2120/EU) also lays down the principle of net neutrality for the first time in EU law.  Commissioner Oettinger said: “These rules protect the right of every European to access the online content of their choice, without interference or discrimination.  They will avoid fragmentation in the Single Market, creating legal certainty for businesses and making it easier for them to work across border”.  To read the Commission’s press release in full, click here.

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