Early effects of roaming regulation evident
Posted, January 17, 2008 @ 13:00
Early figures on international roaming charges published today show the EU regulation approved by the European Parliament last summer had an effect on mobile phone costs from the start - although far more is to come.
The first comprehensive data collection from the European Regulators Group (ERG) reveals the average charge across Europe for roaming calls made fell from 52 pence (0.69 euros) to 47 pence (0.62 euros) a minute from April to September 2007.
The corresponding price for calls received while abroad dropped from 26 pence (0.34 euros) to 23 pence (0.3 euros) a minute.
As the regulation did not come into force until partway through that period, the next data collection - covering the following six months up to March 2008 - will give a far clearer picture of the effect legislation is having on people's mobile bills.
Industry Spokesman and Leader of the Conservatives in the European Parliament, Giles Chichester MEP, said:
"The early signs are that price reductions are happening, however there are clearly far more to come. But I welcome signs that the previous lack of competition has been remedied."
National regulatory authorities have also confirmed good compliance with the transparency obligations of the regulation, in relation to tariff options and cost information for consumers for example.
Malcolm Harbour MEP, Internal Market Spokesman, played a key role in brokering the roaming agreement.
He said:
"I am delighted that the transparency rules, which were delivered by the Parliament, are clearly beginning to work. We wanted much better consumer information on roaming call costs - the Regulators' report confirms that this is happening. Signs are promising on prices, but much more remains to be done."