European Parliament Vote on Mobile Phone Roaming Charges is a Victory for the Consumer says Nicholson
Ulster Unionist Member of the European Parliament, Jim Nicholson MEP has said today’s vote in a key committee in the European Parliament on plans to cut the cost of using your mobile phone abroad should be seen as a victory for consumers in Northern Ireland.
The committee on industry, research and energy has adopted a report by Mr Nicholson’s colleague in the EPP – ED Austrian MEP Paul Rübig supporting the European Commission’s proposals to cut so-called roaming charges by as much as 70%.
Speaking from Brussels Mr Nicholson said,
“The decision of the European Parliament today is a victory for consumers in Northern Ireland. The European Commission started looking at this issue as far as back as 2000 and action was long overdue to protect tourists and businessmen from being hit by excessive roaming charges and massive mobile phone bills.
“I will be more than happy to support this report when it goes before a full session of the Parliament next month and believe it will be of huge benefit to businessmen and holiday makers alike.
“For far too long now mobile phone companies have been making excessive profits, at the consumer’s expense, on roaming charges. Such a vast difference in cost between domestic and international calls is unjustifiable and unacceptable in a single market. People already pay enough for their summer holidays and shouldn’t be hit with more high charges for using their mobile abroad.
“For the legislation to take effect before the summer holiday season goes into full swing, it must be approved by the Commission and by the heads of all EU Member States before July.”