Filenews 30 June 2022
As of tomorrow, 1 July 2022, the new improved regulation that extends roam for domestic billing until 2032 and enables travellers in the EU and EEA to be able to call, send messages and browse the internet at no extra charges enter into force.
They will also bring significant benefits to EU businesses and citizens, who will enjoy a better roaming experience, with the same quality of mobile phone services abroad as at home. The new rules also improve access to emergency communications across the EU and ensure clear information on services that may be subject to additional charges.
Faster mobile internet connection on the go
Consumers will now be entitled to the same quality of mobile internet connection abroad as at home. Mobile service providers should ensure that consumers have access to the use of 4G networks, or more advanced 5G networks, where these are available at their destination. Consumers should be able to find information on the availability of the network in their mobile service contracts and on the websites of mobile service providers.
Preventing unexpected hidden charges
When consumers travel by plane or ship, mobile phones can be automatically connected to the vessel's satellite network. The use of mobile connection services provided by non-terrestrial networks may be subject to very high additional charges. The new roaming rules oblige providers to protect their consumers and inform them about the transition of their phones to non-terrestrial networks. In addition, providers should automatically discontinue mobile services if the amount charged for those services reaches €50 or another predetermined threshold. Providers will also be able to offer additional services, such as the possibility to opt out of roaming on planes and ships.
More information on better options
Consumers should be able to make informed decisions about the use of services that may incur additional costs for them. When travelling abroad, calling for customer service, insurance and airline support services, or sending SMS messages to participate in competitions or events can be more expensive than in the country of origin. Providers should ensure that they provide consumers with information on the types of telephone numbers that may entail additional costs when consumers call or access them from abroad. Providers should inform consumers with automatic SMS messages sent when crossing the border to another EU country, as well as in service contracts.
Emergency communication during commuting
The new roaming rules ensure that citizens are aware of 112, the EU's single emergency number, which they can use anywhere in the EU for emergency services.
Lower prices between providers, better conditions for consumers
The new Roaming Regulation sets lower wholesale charges, i.e. the prices paid by providers for using networks abroad to provide services to their customers when they are abroad. Wholesale caps are set at levels that ensure that providers can afford and recover the costs of providing roaming services to consumers at domestic prices:
• For data services, the new regulation sets the following wholesale caps: €2/GB in 2022, €1.8/GB in 2023, €1.55/GB in 2024, €1.3/GB in 2025, €1.1/GB in 2026 and €1/GB from 2027 onwards.
• For voice calls: 0,022 euros/minute in the period 2022-2024 and 0.019 euros/minute from 2025 onwards.
• For SMS: 0,004 euros / SMS in the period 2022-2024 and 0,003 euros / SMS from 2025 onwards.
Lower wholesale charges are to the benefit of consumers, as they should ensure that all providers are able to offer competitive roaming subscriptions in line with the 'roam-at-home' principle.
