Goodbye roaming charges! – Noone

Fine Gael Seanad spokesperson on European Affairs, Senator Catherine Noone, has today (Thursday) welcomed a European Parliament vote to eliminate roaming charges in the EU.

“The practice of gouging holidaying consumers for a quick phone call, text, or checking a map on the web is now finally coming to an end. Given the telecoms market is controlled by a handful of companies, the cost of providing this service in one country as opposed to another is marginal. Yet mobile phone companies got away with charging extremely excessive prices for years.

“The abolition of roaming charges highlights the best of the EU, where a framework can be put in place to ensure fairness for consumers, cost competitiveness for SMEs who do some business overseas, and transparency for tourists. I firmly believe the EU, under the guidance of Neelie Kroes, the Vice-President of the Commission, has delivered a good deal for consumers.

“As technology advances, it is vital that we can allow SMEs and digital start-ups to thrive both home and abroad. The abolition of roaming charges is a vital move towards a more interconnected Europe, and one which will be welcomed by Irish consumers, businesses and tourists.”

ENDS