"Bill shocks" should become a thing of the past for anyone travelling outside the EU. Also from 1 July this year consumers will get a warning text message, email or pop-up window when they are nearing 50 euro of data downloads, or their pre-agreed level. They will then have to confirm they are happy to go above this level to continue data roaming. Currently this alert system is only operational within the EU.
From 1 July 2014 customers will have the option to shop around for a separate mobile roaming provider, either through a contract or by choosing a provider at their destination - like they would choose a wifi network - whilst keeping the same number.
Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes said: "By putting price caps on data we have created a roaming market for the smart phone generation. More than that, we have ended the rip-offs familiar to anyone who has used a mobile phone while travelling abroad. I am pleased that year after year the European Union is putting money back in the pockets of citizens."
"From 2014 we are also delivering a permanent solution to the roaming issue, something better than any price cap. We are bringing full competition to this market by making it easy to choose a separate roaming provider. If you can find a better offer compared to your standard contract you'll be able to do it in a few simple swipes, just like when you choose a wifi network."
From summer 2012: data downloads get much cheaper
Since 2007 the EU has placed price caps on calling and texting. Now data is being brought under the same system.
The new prices caps which enter into force on 1 July 2012 are:
29 cents per minute to make a call, plus VAT
8 cents per minute to receive a call, plus VAT
9 cents to send a text message, plus VAT
70 cents per megabyte (MB) to download data or browse the Internet whilst travelling abroad (charged per Kilobyte used), plus VAT.
Downloading data previously cost more than 4 euro per megabyte from many operators in July 2009 – those prices will be cut by around six times.
By 2014, as prices are cut further, the maximum cost of downloading data will be just 20 cents per megabyte, plus VAT, a saving of 90% on many current rates.
Operators are free to offer cheaper rates. Price caps are a maximum level, acting as a safeguard, and competition should drive them lower.
From 2014: competition will deliver cheaper roaming
Enabling customers to the option to shop around for a separate mobile roaming provider will provide an incentive for mobile network operators in countries visited to offer services at rates close to national prices, on the basis of their own low national network costs.
As people's mobile data use intensifies and they want to use their devices anywhere at any time, many travellers are likely to find the wifi-like option very attractive. These forces will reinforce each other to create lower prices and better network coverage.
Price caps will stay in place until 30 June 2017 as an extra safety net for consumers.