EU scraps proposed rules for free mobile roaming

In a surprise move, the European Commission has withdrawn its controversial plans to restrict free mobile roaming in EU territories.

The idea of abolishing roaming charges was first introduced in 2013, with the European Union’s executive body promising that fees for using mobile data in other EU countries would be eliminated by June 2017.

Earlier this month, the Commission published details of a draft law that would introduce ‘fair use’ restrictions on the amount of free roaming data people could use. The plans specified that users would only be able to roam free for up to 90 days a year, with a maximum 30 consecutive days in any single stretch, after which regulated roaming charges would apply.

These limits were intended to stop ‘permanent’ roaming, where users could buy a cheap network deal from one EU member state to use indefinitely in a country where rates were higher.

However, the proposals proved unpopular and the draft law was swiftly withdrawn on the instruction of the Commission’s President, Jean-claude Juncker. The Commission is currently reviewing its position on ‘fair use’ restrictions and is due to publish new proposals soon.

Changes to the costs of mobile roaming are just one part of the EU’S wider review of the Digital Single Market, which aims to “allow better access for consumers and business to online goods and services across Europe” and “break down barriers to cross-border online activity”.

It’s currently unclear how changes to roaming laws or any of the Commission’s other digital strategies will affect UK customers and businesses in the wake of the Brexit vote, but you can read more about the EU’S proposals at www. snipca.com/21836.