It’s become the norm every year for roaming costs to be slashed on July 1. Back in 2012, costs saw massive cuts as a result of new data caps and the same happened again last year.
Now it’s about to happen again time with newly announced roaming cuts starting July 1, with the ultimate goal being to eliminate roaming charges in the region for good.
From 1 July 2014, the EU will cut the price caps for data downloads by more than half: down from 45 cents per megabyte to 20c/MB, which will make it even more cost effective for travelers in the region to use services like HERE Maps, watch videos, check email, and update their social networks. Here’s a breakdown of the charges under the new rules:
Also starting July 1, travelers will be able to seek roaming deals from local European providers before they travel and also allow you to choose a local provider to use data services where available. This is, of course, in addition to the many global carriers that are also at your disposal. This will give travelers even more choice to find the best deal that’s right for them.
“This huge drop in data roaming prices will make a big difference to all of us this summer”
As mentioned, the EU is working on eliminating roaming charges completely and also wants a “guaranteed open and neutral internet” as well as “better consumer protection for mobile and broadband users.”
“This huge drop in data roaming prices will make a big difference to all of us this summer,” said Vice President of the European Commission, @NeelieKroesEU, responsible for the Digital Agenda. “But it is not enough. Why should we have roaming charges at all in a single market? By the end of this year I hope we see the complete end of roaming charges agreed – the Parliament has done their part, now it is up to Member States to seal the deal!”
This is very good news for those of you who are planning your summer travels to the European Union, and should go a long way in helping you avoid bill shock.”
