New EU roaming rules mooted

EU consumers could pay domestic rates to access mobile internet data across the single market under EU Council proposals to grant travellers an allowance capped at their home tariffs.

The “roam like at home” option put forward by Latvia, which holds the rotating EU presidency, garnered the support of most member states at a Council meeting this week, EU diplomats said, paving the way for legislation to be drafted.

A first draft is expected in around two weeks, diplomats said, although it could still undergo further changes. Once member states in the Council agree on a position, they can negotiate with EU lawmakers and the executive European Commission to arrive at a final version.