European Parliament - Massive vote in favour of the third Roaming Regulation to take effect 1 July 2012

The European Parliament in a mini-plenary in Brussels voted 578 votes in favour, with 10 against and 10 abstentions to adopt the report on the Third Roaming Regulation.

Angelika Niebler (EPP, DE) and rapporteur said:

Using mobile devices abroad remains expensive. During the summer holidays, our citizens will be able to take advantage of more favourable tariffs. Parliament has succeeded in its call for cheaper roaming prices for consumers, and in particular for data roaming. In addition, from July 2014, consumers will be able to choose an operator other than their national operator for roaming services. The new rules will also help to open up the market to new entrants and so increase competition

The proposal enters into force on 1 July 2012, replacing the 2007 regulation as amended in 2009, which expires on 30th June 2012.

Retail ceilings (charged to consumers) excluding VAT

	Current	1 July 2012	1 July 2013	1 July 2014
Data (per megabyte)	none	70 cents	45 cents	20 cents
Phone calls made (per minute)	35 cents	29 cents	23 cents	19 cents
Phone calls received (per minute)	11 cents	8 cents	7 cents	5 cents
SMS (per SMS)	11 cents	9 cents	8 cents	6 cents

Wholesale ceilings (charged between operators) excluding VAT

	Current	1 July 2012	1 July 2013	1 July 2014
Data (per megabyte)	50 cents	25 cents	15 cents	5 cents
Phone calls (per minute)	18 cents	14 cents	10 cents	5 cents
SMS (per SMS)	4 cents	3 cents	2 cents	2 cents