Consumers protected by new data roaming cap

Issued : Tuesday 2 March, 2010

MEP Alan Kelly has backed new rules from the EU that will put a cap on data roaming charges for consumers travelling abroad.

The Munster MEP is a member of the Internal Market/Consumer Affairs Committee and has raised the issue of data roaming charges in the past.

He said: "I have repeatedly called for measures to increase consumer protection in the area of mobile roaming and the data cap is a major step forward.

"The new rules will boost consumer choice in the area of data roaming. Consumers can now travel abroad with confidence knowing they are on control of their roaming costs.

"I would fully agree with EU digital issues commissioner Neelie Kroes, who has praised the new rules as crucial for building customers' confidence to surf the Internet when travelling in Europe."

The new plan comes into place on July 1st and the EU has set a default limit of €50 but this can be changed by the consumer.