MEPs must fight telecoms lobby and protect consumers on mobile roaming

Issued : Monday 8 February, 2010

Alan Kelly MEP has urged fellow members of the internal market committee to stand up to mobile phone companies and keep a maximum tariff for roaming abroad.

Alan Kelly said: "The maximum tariff on roaming charges was introduced to prevent the mass rip off of consumers when they travel abroad.

"Before its introduction, consumers were routinely and widely ripped off by the mobile phone operators just for talking to loved ones while on holiday.

"The maximum tariff on roaming charges has been such a positive development, that mobile phone companies tried to claim it was their idea.

"Now we have the same companies now telling us that they will charge people less if we get rid of a maximum roaming tariff as it prevents competition and distorts the market.

"If they were so interested in a fair market place, why were they ripping us off in the first place?

"We cannot control what other countries do, but at least in the European Union, we can draw up the rules which regulate the matter within our own borders.

"An EU-wide single market for many telecoms services, including mobile services is possible.

"However we must retain some level of control on pricing as opening up markets without having tariffs that protect consumers leaves people vulnerable to being exploited.

"Any changes we make to these regulations must be more pro-consumer and I would ask MEPs not to listen too closely to the telecoms lobby group."