Dublin, 1st July 2010

The latest phase of the EU Roaming Regulations will benefit mobile phone users travelling abroad this summer. Introduced in 2007 and updated in 2009, the EU Regulations make mobile phone use more affordable for citizens travelling within the EU.

The elements of the Regulation which come into effect today include:

• An obligation on mobile phone companies to suspend data service (internet access) to any customer when the monthly data-roaming bill reaches €50, unless the customer explicitly agrees to a higher limit

• Operators will also be obliged to issue customers with usage alerts as soon as 80 per cent of the €50 data charge or any agreed higher limit is reached

• A reduction in the maximum wholesale price charged for downloading or uploading data from €1 to €0.80 per megabyte

• A reduction in the maximum price for making a phone call from €0.43 to €0.39 a minute (excl VAT)

• A reduction in the maximum price for receiving a phone call from €0.19 to €0.15 a minute (excl VAT)

• No charge for receiving a voice mail.

The maximum price for sending a text message remains unchanged at €0.11 (excl VAT). Operators are also required to retain per second billing after the first 30 seconds for calls made and for the duration of calls received.

These latest changes are good news for Irish people travelling within the EU. It is intended that they will bring an end to “bill shocks”, where previously customers had returned from travel within the EU, and were faced with a large mobile phone bill.

“For too long, roaming “rip offs” have been allowed to occur at the expense of the consumer,”

“Practically every adult in Ireland has a mobile phone. These customers shouldn’t be wary of using them when they’re travelling within the Union, for fear that they will be faced with an exorbitant bill. Now, with a transparent, affordable pricing structure right across the EU, they will know exactly what to expect and how much they should be paying.

Here we have a clear example of how the EU continues to work to effect everyday, but real and important changes and Commissioner Kroes must be commended.

As Communications Minister, I will continue to work with her on this, for the benefit of Irish customers