Data Roaming Charges Capped

The cost of using a mobile to use the internet (data roaming) while abroad has been notoriously expensive.  Many people have received "bill shocks" after downloading music or watching videos on their phone while abroad.

From today (1 July) new rules from the European Union mean that the maximum data roaming charge users can incur will be €50 (£41).  Customers can opt for a higher or lower limit by contacting their mobile operator. 

Mobile operators will also be required to inform customers when they have reached 80% of their data roaming bill limit.  Once the limit is reached the operator must cut off internet access.

In addition the rules also introduce new caps for using a mobile phone to make calls and send text messages:

• cap the price charged for a text message while abroad at 11 cents from 28 cents
• cap the price for making a call from 43 cents to 39 cents
• cap the price for receiving a call from 19 cents to 15 cents.

These new rules come just in time for the summer holidays and are a welcome move to cut excessive charges and empower customers.