EUroaming chargesuturn
LONG awaited changes to EU mobile phone roaming charges could be impacted by Britain’s decision to leave the EU.
The high cost of accessing cross border phone networks is a major concern for people living in the Louth area.
Indeed, in some parts of the Cooley Peninsula and Ravensdale, users are often unwittingly paying for roaming charges when networks automatically pick up UK providers.
The promised scrapping of roaming charges across the UK was hailed as the only way to end extortionate phone usage costs.
But great uncertainty over the Brexit vote and an apparent u-turn by the EU in recent weeks has led to fears over continuing costs imposed on mobile phone users along the border.
Commenting on the developments, Louth TD Declan Breathnach said that the British Government must commit to honour EU pledge to end roaming charges post Brexit.
He also criticised the apparent U-turn by the European Commission on the proposal end roaming charges.
A 90 day cap on free roaming was reported to be on the cards for consideration
‘ The European Commission has proposed to insert a ‘fair usage’ clause which completely contradicts the original decision of the Parliament’, explained Deputy Breathnach.
‘However, what is especially crucial for Co. Louth, and border communities, is that in the possible event of Brexit, the British Government commits to honouring the EU decision to abolish roaming charges.’
‘We must not allow a situation to develop where Irish people travelling to Spain will be exempt from roaming charges, but someone from Dundalk travels to Newry to visit a friend or their family will be charged. It would be a ludicrous situation for everyone.’
He added: ‘Nowhere are roaming charges more acutely felt than here in the border region.’
‘Customers in some parts of Louth are regularly switched to UK telecoms providers and charged extortionate roaming rates because of the proximity to the border.’
He told the Argus: ‘ The proposed amendment by the European Commission allied to the uncertainty caused by Brexit is of concern to families, business owners and tourists all along the border.’
This move will severely affect cross-border trade, tourism and investment which are already under threat in light of the Brexit vote.’
He added:‘ The end of roaming charges should mean simply that – an end to all roaming charges.’
Deputy Breathnach added: ‘ The attempt by the Commission to protect telecoms giants by restricting customers to a 90 day roaming allowance is contrary to both the spirit and objective of the EU parliament decision.’
‘ The Commission has simply ignored the express will of the European Parliament which called for the end of all roaming charges, and is attempting to insert get out clauses for telecoms companies,’ concluded the Louth TD.