Roaming charges end in EU

The EU hailed a “great success” last week after roaming charges for mobile phone users in member countries were abolished. It means mobile phone calls, texts and access to data will cost the same as in the UK.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said: “The European Union is about bringing people together and making their lives easier. The end of roaming charges is a true European success story.”

He said Britain’s decision to leave the EU meant it would be up to a future UK government to decide whether to adopt the policy but for now “by working closely together, the EU has delivered a concrete, positive result for European citizens”.

The move was welcomed by, among others, uSwitch.com telecoms expert Ernest Doku, who said: “With 37% of Brits thinking incorrectly there are already no charges for using their phone in other EU countries, this upcoming change is likely to be well received.

But, he warned: “It is important to remember roaming charges will still stand for many for countries outside the EU and consumers should also keep in mind that charges for countries outside the EU will incur 20% VAT on top of normal network rates from 1 August.”

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