Jim Higgins in Call for Fair Pricing for EU Data Roaming from July

New regulations to pass first hurdle on Feb 28th

In the light of the high rates for mobile data roaming, Jim Higgins welcomes the Public Hearing on 'The Future of Roaming' today at the European Parliament in Brussels.

The current Roaming Regulation imposing price caps on roaming calls, SMS and data expires in June. The European Parliament is debating a follow-up proposal of the European Commission suggesting further price caps for phone calls and, for the first time, a cap on the data roaming retail charges for consumers.

Speaking after the hearing Jim Higgins said "We need to ensure competitive pricing for people who take their smart phones abroad. Business depends on access to email and the web while on foreign business meetings, and if the European economy is to become more competitive, we need to reduce these costs."

"It is high time that mobile operators stop ripping off consumers. Data roaming across borders and networks is technically no longer a costly exercise. All users have a right to fair pricing", said Fine Gael's North West MEP, Jim Higgins.                                       

"It is frustrating that in the era of smart phones, consumers are still paying incredibly high rates when travelling in other EU countries.  It can be a lot cheaper to take a taxi than to find the address online with your smart phone when you are abroad", added Jim Higgins.  The European Parliament's ITRE Committee will vote on the new draft Regulation on 28 February next.

ENDS

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