Q: How much will it cost to make a call under the new regulations?
The law introduces a new European Consumer Protection Tariff - The Euro Tariff. Costs will be reduced annually over a three year period and to protect the consumer the operator will not be able to charge more than the following rates:
Maximum cost of making a call per minute from another EU country:
Year 1: 0.49 eurocents. GBP with UK VAT: c. 0.39p
Year 2: 0.46 eurocents. GBP with UK VAT: c. 0.37p
Year 3: 0.43 eurocents. GBP with UK VAT: c. 0.34p
Q: How much will it cost to receive a call?
Maximum cost of receiving a call per minute from another EU country:
Year 1: 0.24 eurocents GBP with UK VAT: c. 0.19p
Year 2: 0.22 eurocents GBP with UK VAT: c. 0.18p
Year 3: 0.19 eurocents GBP with UK VAT: c. 0.15p
Q: How will I know exactly what I am paying per minute to make and receive calls when in another EU country?
Under the new rules once you arrive in another EU member state you will automatically receive a text message telling you how much you will be paying per minute to make and receive calls in that country.
Q: How do I qualify for the cheaper prices?
If you have a standard mobile contract or are a pre-pay user you will be automatically put on the Euro Tariff 3 months after the law comes into place.
Q: What if I already have a special European roaming deal with my operator?
Your operator should inform you about the new Euro Tariff within one month of it becoming law. If you have a better deal you will stay on your current deal and not be automatically covered by the Euro Tariff.
Q: Will it be cheaper to text from Europe , or to use data services on my mobile when roaming?
Texting or data charges will not be covered . These charges continue to be too high and we are putting the industry under pressure to reduce these costs. If they don't we will extend the law to cover texting and data services. We have asked the European Commission to undertake a study on the excessive costs of texting and data services.
Q: For how long will the law be in place?
The law will be in place for 3 years to force operators to compete and give consumers better European roaming deals and prices. Labour Euro MPs will continue to demand big and sustained reductions in roaming prices. We will continue to work with consumer groups to monitor this and if there is any return to rip-off prices we will be arguing for the law to be kept in place to protect consumers.