Informal agreement on wholesale roaming markets reform

The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament reached on 31 January 2017 an informal agreement on a draft proposal for wholesale roaming markets in the EU.

The wholesale roaming reform was the last piece of legislation required before retail roaming fees could be abolished on 15 June 2017. Together with the retail fair use policy, this proposal aims to help ensure that the end of roaming charges is sustainable across the European Union.

The proposal was launched by the European Commission in June 2016. The Parliament adopted its position in November and the Council did the same in December, allowing for negotiations to start.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Wholesale roaming regulation: A precondition for 'roam like at home' http://www.europeansources.info/record/wholesale-roaming-regulation-a-precondition-for-roam-like-at-home/

ESO: Background information: Wholesale Roaming Markets http://www.europeansources.info/record/wholesale-roaming-markets/

EurActiv, 01.02.17: ‘Goodbye roaming’: EU clears final hurdle to end mobile charges abroad http://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/goodbye-roaming-eu-clears-final-hurdle-to-end-mobile-charges-abroad/

European Parliament: Press Release, 01.02.17: End of mobile roaming charges: deal on lower wholesale price caps http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20170130IPR60199/

Politico, 01.02.17: EU reaches mobile roaming deal http://www.politico.eu/article/eu-reaches-mobile-roaming-deal/

BBC News, 01.02.17: EU mobile phone roaming cost-cuts 'a step closer' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-38825154

Deutsche Welle, 01.02.17: EU inks deal to end roaming charges in June http://dw.com/p/2WmfV

European Commission, DG Communication, IP/17/193, 01.02.17: End of roaming charges: EU negotiators agreed on wholesale prices, the final piece to make it happen http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-193_en.htm

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