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| Roaming charges can result in huge phone bills while abroad |
The
European Commission is proposing to scrap mobile phone roaming charges across
Europe as part of a raft of measures to reform the telecoms market.
The
Commission described the reforms as "the most ambitious plan in 26 years
of telecoms market reform".
It said the
measures will reduce consumer charges and simplify red tape for mobile
companies.
The
proposals must be approved by the 28 EU members and European lawmakers before
they can be put into effect.
Analysts say
Europe is falling behind in broadband infrastructure, while telecoms companies
struggle with declining revenues.
Under the
plans, companies would be banned from charging for incoming calls from July
2014. All other roaming charges would be scrapped by 2016.
Mobile
providers will then either have to charge customers the same prices for phone
calls across the EU, or allow them to switch providers for the period they are
abroad, without changing their Sim card.
'Full and
fair access'
European
Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the proposed reforms were good
for both customers and operators.
"Further
substantial progress towards a European single market for telecoms is essential
for Europe's strategic interests and economic progress," he said.
"For
the telecoms sector itself and for citizens who are frustrated that they do not
have full and fair access to internet and mobile services."
The plan
also includes measures to harmonise regulation across all 28 EU member states.
The
Commission said that currently the industry still operates on the basis of 28
national markets, rather than one unified market, meaning customers and
companies face differing prices and rules.
But under
the new proposals, companies will need one authorisation to operate in all
countries, rather than 28 separate ones.
Harmonisations
across countries will also increase certainty for stakeholders, encouraging
more investment in mobile networks, the Commission said.
There are
also plans for improved consumer rights, including the right to a 12-month
contract, rather than longer terms, and to more consumer friendly, jargon-free
contracts.
Customers
should also have the right to walk away from contracts if they are not given
the internet speeds promised in their contracts.
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