EU parliament approves end to roaming charges

Travelling to the continent with your mobile phone was officially set to become cheaper on Thursday - for just under two years, at least - as the European Parliament voted to approve an agreement to end high roaming charges.

The plan was initially announced two years ago, but faced intense opposition from network operators who said their profitability would be unduly harmed.

It was looking to be dead on arrival as networks continued to combat the European Commission, before it was announced in February that an agreement had been reached on the sharing of carrier costs across networks.

Thursday’s vote in the European Parliament means that from 15 June, travellers would be able to move between countries in the EU and not worry about bill shock upon returning home.

“I welcome today’s positive vote of the European Parliament on wholesale roaming prices, following the agreement reached between the European Parliament, the Council, and the Commission at the beginning of the year,” said vice president for the Digital Single Market, Andrus Ansip.

“This is a great achievement for all of us.

“Notwithstanding the final OK from Member States, this agreement on wholesale roaming prices will be the final step to [ending] roaming charges for all travelers in the EU.”