From 1 July 2010 enter into force a new maximum limits for the Eurotariff, the retail tariff applicable to voice communications in Roaming intra European Union / European Economic Area (EU/EEA), i.e. between the Member States of the European Union and Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein. This new limit is that determined by the annual reduction set forth in the Regulation on international roaming (Regulation (EC) No. 717/2007, as amended by Regulation (EC) No. 544/2009).
As such, citizens who make voice communications using roaming intra-EU/EEA and who are subscribers to a Eurotariff will be subject to the following maximum values (excl. IVA):
- Calls made - €0.39 per minute;
- Calls received - €0.15 per minute.
Meanwhile, the maximum price payable by subscribers to the Euro-SMS tariff for sending text messages remains €0.11 per SMS (excl. VAT). This tariff is applicable to messages sent in roaming intra EU/EEA and may not exceed the price cap stipulated in the Regulation on international roaming.
A further development relates to the recording of voice messages on the voice mail of customers using roaming within the EU/EEA, which will now be free. However users may be charged if they choose to listen to messages when roaming.
In terms of transparency, it important to note the free and automatic availability of an application which provides the customer with information on their accumulated consumption of data in roaming expressed in volume of traffic or in euros. This application should also ensure that users cannot surpass a set limit, which by default is €50/month (excluding VAT). If a customer passes this limit, the operator is required to send a notification to the mobile phone or other device being used by the customer (e.g. computer). This notification must also indicate the procedure that the customer should follow, after surpassing the established consumption limit, in order to continue using the roaming data service, also giving details of the costs incurred for each additional unit of consumption. If the customer does not respond as required in the notification received, the mobile operator will immediately cease provision of roaming data services once the limit is reached.
The mobile operator must likewise send a notification to the mobile phone or other device being used by the customer when consumption of data services reaches 80% of the defined consumption limit. The customer may request, without charge, that the operator stops sending further notifications, while reserving the right to ask to have them restored at any time and without charge.
It is noted that the average wholesale price for roaming communications intra EU/EEA will now have the maximum limits: 0.22 euros per minute for voice communications and 0.80 euros/megabyte for data. The limit of 0.04 euros/communication set on 01 July 2009 for the average wholesale price for SMS sent in roaming intra EU/EEA is maintained.
On 1 July 2011, a further reduction is due in the maximum limits of the Euro-tariff and in the maximum limits applicable to average wholesale prices for intra EU/EEA voice and data communications in roaming.
For further information, see the frequently asked questions (FAQs) on international roaming which ANACOM has already updated accordingly.
More info:
Consult:
- International roaming https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=325975
Related information on ANACOM's website:
- Roaming https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=188342
