New deal to cut EU mobile roaming prices, including data services

The cost of using mobile phones, smartphones and tablets when travelling abroad within the European Union will fall sharply from 1 July this year, under an agreement with the Council endorsed by Parliament. The new rules will also enable clients to buy roaming services from suppliers other than their home service suppliers and open up the market to new entrants, so as to boost competition and thus reduce prices. The proposal will enter into force on 1 July 2012, replacing the 2007 regulation, which expires on 30 June 2012.