On 3 April 2014, the European Parliament (EP) voted in favour of a proposal to abolish international roaming charges by Christmas 2015, as part of a wider vote in support to the regulation for a "Connected Continent" proposed by the European Commission (EC) with a view to creating a true single market in telecommunications.
The legislative package, proposed by the EC in 2013, makes provision, not only for the abolition of roaming charges, but also guarantees an open internet for all, banning blocking and degrading of content, coordinating spectrum licensing for wireless broadband, giving internet and broadband customers more transparency in their contracts, and making it easier for customers to switch providers.
European Union (EU) Member States will now continue to negotiate on the EC's proposal, with final agreement expected by the end of the year.
Further information:
- European Parliament votes to end roaming charges, expand consumer rights and make it easier to create better telecoms http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-14-373_en.htm
