From some time in June, operators can charge users no more than
€0.49 for calls made abroad within Europe and €0.24 cents for calls
received. The Parliament's Industry Committee had wanted caps of
€0.40 and €0.15, while the European Council wanted caps of €0.60
and €0.30.
The costs will decrease each year, by three cents for two years
for outgoing calls and by two cents next year then three cents the
following year for incoming calls.
The rates must be offered to all customers and must be actively
and clearly promoted by all operators, according to the compromise
agreement between Parliament and Council voted on today.
One major dispute between Parliament and Council was whether or
not the tariffs should apply automatically or should have to be
applied for. Customers will be able to opt in to the tariff
immediately and must be put on the tariffs within a month. Any
customers who do not make a decision either way will be placed on
the tariffs automatically after three months.
The German Presidency has said that it will attempt to have the
Regulations in force by 29th June, but EU Commissioner for the
Information Society Vivianne Reding has said that that is not early
enough.
The Federation of Small Businesses welcomed the move but said
that there was a danger that mobile phone companies would seek to
recoup costs by increasing charges overall.
"This is great news for small businesses like mine that operate
across EU member states and find charges for making and receiving
calls hugely expensive," said Tina Sommer, FSB EU Affairs Chairman.
"Euro MPs today voted to break down another barrier to the single
market but they must remain vigilant to prevent increased domestic
call costs from mobile providers."
