End of roaming charges in the EU in 2017: Commission agrees on new approach to make it work for all Europeans

On the 21 September 2016, the European Commission discussed a revised draft of the rules needed to avoid abuses of the end of roaming charges in time for June 2017. The new approach also provides a solid safeguard mechanism for operators against potential abuses and are based on principle of residence or stable links European consumers may have with any Member State.

The College of Commissioners was scheduled to adopt the final proposal by 15 December 2016, following feedback from the Body of European Regulators in Electronic Communications, Member States and other stakeholders.

Politico, 21.09.16: Europe’s roaming holiday http://www.politico.eu/article/commission-says-no-time-limits-on-mobile-phone-roaming/

ESO: Background information: Commission puts limits on ‘free’ mobile phone roaming http://www.europeansources.info/record/commission-puts-limits-on-free-mobile-phone-roaming/

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: MEMO/16/3164, 22.09.16: End of roaming charges in the EU in 2017: Questions and answers on fair use policy and other preparatory measures http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-16-3164_en.htm

BBC News, 21.09.16: Mobile phone roaming charge abolition plan rewritten http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-37429261

EurActiv, 21.09.16: After botched first attempt, Commission proposes new roaming bill with no time limit http://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/after-botched-first-attempt-commission-proposes-new-roaming-bill-with-no-time-limit/

Euro|Topics: Debates, September 2016: How fair are the new roaming regulations? http://www.eurotopics.net/en/166581/how-fair-are-the-new-roaming-regulations

The Guardian, 21.09.16: EC wants to axe mobile phone roaming charges next year https://www.theguardian.com/business/2016/sep/21/european-commision-mobile-phone-roaming-charges-telecoms

ESO: Background information: Roaming / Roaming tariffs / Roaming charges http://www.europeansources.info/record/website-roaming-roaming-tariffs-roaming-charge/

EUObserver, 21.09.16: EU redoubles attack on roaming charges https://euobserver.com/economic/135184

European Parliament: Press Release, 27.09.16: End of roaming: MEPs negotiate safeguards to prevent abuse http://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/news-room/20160926STO44013/

EurActiv, 25.10.16: EU considers concession to telecom firms to end roaming charges http://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/eu-considers-concession-to-telecom-firms-to-end-roaming-charges/

EUObserver, 26.10.16: EU countries agree data roaming charges https://euobserver.com/economic/135668

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