Plans to scrap mobile data roaming charges and have been dropped by EU regulators, whilst simultaneously proposing net neutrality regulations allowing privileged access. EU regulators insisted on an interim plan that would allow networks to charge a premium to use mobile data while abroad.
According to a recently published report, far from ending mobile data roaming charges as promised, the Council of EU Commission has recommended that networks should be permitted to add surcharges to their domestic rate plans.
The change in direction was said to be ‘mindful of the costs incurred’ by the mobile networks offering mobile data outside their home territory. Effectively these changes would amount to the continuation of data roaming charges until 2018, when EU lawmakers would reconsider whether or not to ban them.
The Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe – one of the largest groups of MEPs - said it would fight for an end to data roaming by the end of 2015 as planned, adding that the current proposals were ‘toothless’.
An EU regulator spokesperson argued the proposals, which were weaker than those previously promised, could "lead to commercial practices that go against consumer interests".
Current EU roaming rates are set at;
How can I avoid international mobile roaming charges?