International roaming

stefano

Last year the european court judged mobile company unfair in their roaming charges and ordered them to only charge what the local provider would charge in that similar situation.
Does anyone know where this information can be found?

redux

That isn't quite the case.

Last year the Commissioner responsible said that she wanted charges reduced, and would recommend the Commission take enforcement action if the networks would not reduce charges.

Since then, there have been stand-offs on both sides.

The networks persist with claims that natural competition will reduce charges, but some have increased them yet again, for example Orange charges from some non-EU European countries have gone from 51p to £1.30 in the last four years.

National politicians, particularly those from Britain, France, Germany and Spain have been saying that the EU case is too simplistic, and it all needs more consideration. We know where the largest four networks are domiciled.

A Commission committee made a recommendation about a month ago. A vote scheduled for May 10 has been postponed, so we'll have to wait and see whether forthcoming meetings of EU ministers council and EU Parliament can get around to the issue.

Given that some governments are apparently canvassing on behalf of the networks, rather than their customers, don't place your bets on anything happening quickly.

Instead, read Martin's article about roaming, and its discussion thread., particulary about callback. It's already possible to make calls a lot more cheaply than the bureaucratic targets, like from 2p a minute to UK landlines

redux

Announcement earlier today - and some background info on the process

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6657981.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/6125658.stm

Under the deal, it will cost a maximum of 49 euro cents (£0.34, $0.66) to call home from another EU state, and 24 cents to receive a call.

These caps would drop a little in 2008, and more in 2009.

If MEPs and the telecoms ministers formally back the deal the new prices could come into force over the summer.

A vote is expected next week in the European Parliament, while telecoms ministers are due to consider the package on 7 June.

Making a call

Parliament opening bid: 40c
European Commission: 44c
Parliament compromise: 45c
German EU presidency: 60c
Industry (GSMA): 65c
Preliminary deal: 49c falling to 43c in 2009


Receiving a call

Parliament opening bid: 15c
European Commission: 15c
Parliament compromise: 20c
German EU presidency: 30c
Industry (GSMA): 35c
Preliminary deal: 24c falling to 19c in 2009

Charges per minute, excluding VAT