LibDem Euro MP welcomes cheaper roaming tariffs for mobile phone users in the East Midlands

4.53.27pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 22nd May 2007

On Wednesday 23rd, MEPs in Strasbourg are likely to approve an EU Regulation for Roaming charges set by Mobile Phone companies.

The key points are likely to be:

a. The maximum charges will be expressed in Euros. The conversion rate to pounds sterling will be the exchange rate prevailing on the date of the entry into force of the Regulation.

b. The maximum retail charge, excluding VAT, of a Eurotariff, which a home mobile phone company may levy from its roaming customers, shall not exceed EUR 0.49 per minute for any outgoing call made or EUR 0.24 per minute for any call received. These maxima shall be automatically reduced for outgoing calls to EUR 0.46 and EUR 0.43, and for calls received to EUR 0.22 and EUR 0.19, twelve and twenty-four months after the date falling two months from the entry into force of the Regulation.

c. The results will be monitored by the EU Commission. If they are satisfactory (and genuine competition has appeared among the mobile phone companies) then the Regulation will expire three years after its entry into force.

d. An EU Regulation applies directly in all 27 EU member countries and does not require approval by their national parliaments.

Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East Midlands commented:

"I will be voting in favour of the proposal. As a liberal, I regret having to intervene in the retail market but I will be delighted if it finally forces the mobile phone companies to behave in a competitive manner."