More good news for phone users

More good news for mobile phone users this week, as EU communications commissioner Viviane Reding set phone companies a July deadline for cutting the price of SMS and data transfer (which includes the internet and mobile email) charges in line with the drop in roaming call charges, which have fallen 60% since the EU introduced price caps for operators last year.

As it stands, operators charge up to 20 times more for roaming customers than domestic customers, with prices ranging widely throughout EU countries. Operators have been given until July 1st to reduce prices, at which point Reding says she will assess the situation again, with regulation being considered if necessary.

Mobile phone roaming is a clear example of an area where EU-wide action can really benefit the consumer – let’s hope that the phone companies listen to Viviane Reding’s concerns and act accordingly, making the ‘mobility’ of our phones a little less costly!