BRUSSELS -(Dow Jones)- European Telecommunications Commissioner Viviane Reding said Wednesday that dramatic cuts to mobile phone roaming charges should come into effect this summer.
Speaking to the European Parliament, Reding said operators will be required to send "offers" to customers to cut their rates by August at the latest. The Parliament is expected to vote later Wednesday in favor of a proposal to cap mobile phone roaming charges and EU ministers are expected to approve the deal.
But it has been unclear exactly whether the new tariffs would go into effect before or after the busy summer holiday season.
The roaming caps represent one of the most significant pieces of regulation to come out of Brussels in recent years. It will force cellphone operators to slash the prices they charge consumers for making and receiving "roaming" calls outside their home markets.
Mobile operators draw between 10%-18% of their revenues from international roaming charges, according to a 2006 study by research firm Evalueserve.
At present, a four minute conversation in Europe could cost as much as EUR11.21. Under the new regulations, this would fall to just under EUR2.
(END) Dow Jones Newswires"
Posted to the site on 23rd May 2007
Posted to: www.cellular-news.com/story/23921.php