From TechWeek Europe and the Daily Telegraph: The European Commission has voted to end the practice of imposing mobile roaming charges when travelling to different countries in Europe, beginning in July next year.
Europe’s 27 commissioners followed a recommendation from vice president Neelie Kroes, and voted last week to abolish roaming charges in Europe. The ruling will come into effect on 1 July 2014.
The vote is part of a move to bring about greater digital mobility and a digital culture in Europe.
Ms Kroes is quoted as saying that:
“It will be good for Europe … Good for the economy, yes – growth stimulated by breaking down barriers.”
A Daily Telegraph source in Brussels added:
“There are around 100 operators in Europe and only four in the US … That’s not sustainable if we’re going to have a single market and investment. Europe has less 4G mobile broadband than Africa at the moment … Consolidation is not the aim. The aim is a single market, but if it means we get fewer, stronger operators, that’s good.”
You can read more from TechWeek Europe and the Daily Telegraph.