European Union Votes to End Roaming Charges by Christmas 2015, Support Net Neutrality

Today the European Parliament voted to end roaming charges by Christmas 2015, as part of a wider vote in support to the Commission’s proposed regulation for a “Connected Continent”.

The Commission initially proposed the "Connected Continent" telecoms regulation in September 2013. It aims to end roaming charges, guarantee open internet for all by banning the blocking or degrading of content, coordinating spectrum licensing for wireless broadband, giving internet and broadband customers more transparency in their contracts, and making it easier for customers to switch providers.

European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes said:


"This vote is the EU delivering for citizens. This is what the EU is all about – getting rid of barriers to make life easier and less expensive. Nearly all of us depend on mobile and internet connections as part of our daily lives. We should know what we are buying, we should not be ripped-off, and we should have the opportunity to change our mind. Companies should have the chance to serve all of us, and this regulation makes it easier for them to do that. It’s win-win.”

"In 2010 I promised to end roaming charges by the end of 2015, and now we are one step away from achieving that result.Beyond the highly visible barrier of roaming we are now close to removing many other barriers so Europeans can enjoy open, seamless communications wherever they are".

EU Member States will now continue to review the regulation and the Commission expects final agreement of the Regulation by end of 2014.