ROAMING TEXT CHARGES: OPERATORS STILL TO LEARN LESSONS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd Sep 2008

The European Commission has today announced that the price of roaming text and data charges will be dramatically reduced, thereby ending large costs for roaming customers in EU countries who currently pay almost 10 times more than domestic messaging.

After a vote in the European Parliament next summer, the cost of sending a text message abroad is expected to fall by 14p, to an average of 9p.

After supporting the move last year to cap the price of roaming voice calls, North East Euro-MP Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat Industry Spokesperson, has been delighted by today's announcement.

Fiona said: "The arrogance of the mobile phone operators is galling. As in 2006 when they were warned about the cost of roaming voice calls and failed to bring the charges down, they have once again been forced to slash the cost of using a mobile abroad, this time with text and data charges.

"For UK consumers, the cost of sending a text message when abroad often is as high as 41p per text. Compared with just 4p with a Latvian mobile phone user, this is scandalous. Today's announcement means that UK operators will not be able to charge more than 9p for a text message sent whilst aboard. Given that the actual cost to the operator is less than 1p it is hard to feel any sympathy with the industry. Once again, action at EU level has greatly benefited the consumer".