ACTIVITIES :: Roaming :: How it came about :: Current regulation
More transparency and cheaper roaming prices for EU citizens
The EU Roaming regulation was adopted in 2007 and introduced caps on roaming prices ("Eurotariff") and imposed certain information obligations on operators, ensuring that mobile phone subscribers pay affordable and transparent roaming prices when they are travelling across the EU. The Eurotariff set maximum prices for phone calls made and received while abroad. These maximum prices apply to all consumers unless they opted for special packages offered by operators. In July 2009, revised rules were adopted that cut voice calls roaming prices further and introduced new caps on SMS tariffs ("Euro SMS tariff").
In addition, as of 1 July 2010, consumers are protected by an automatic safeguard against data roaming bill shocks. The amended roaming regulation will apply until summer 2012. As requested by the European Parliament, the Commission published a report on the functioning of the amended rules in July 2010. Moreover, the Commission had the task to conduct a full review of the Regulation in 2011 and could propose further rules, if required.
Main provisions of the current Roaming regulation:
- Eurotariffs introduced: from 1st of July 2011, making a call cannot cost more than 35 cents and receiving a call cannot cost more than 11 cents (excluding VAT).
- Euro-SMS tariff introduced: from 1 July 2009, sending an SMS from abroad costs no more than 11 cents (excluding VAT). Receiving an SMS in another EU country will remain free of charge.
- Wholesale charges capped: prices that operators charge each other (wholesale charges) are also capped until 2012.
- More transparency of roaming charges for consumers: customers receive an SMS when they are crossing borders within the EU to inform them of the price they are expected to pay for making and receiving calls. Customers are able to request more detailed information by means of a voice call or an SMS.
- Measures to counter data roaming bill shocks: as of 1 July 2010, travellers' data-roaming limit will be automatically set at 50€ (unless they have chosen another limit – higher or lower). More information.
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Eurotariff maximum roaming charge per minute in Euros (without VAT)
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| These price caps are the maximum permissible prices. Operators are free to offer cheaper rates: be on the lookout for better deals! Use our comparative tariffs tables to find out how much you can expect to pay today when making a phone call, sending an SMS or using data services. |