Mobile firms lose first round in roaming battle

MOBILE phone companies lost the first round in their battle to get rid of the cap and raise prices on mobile phone roaming charges.

They have been forced to cut their charges by more than 60% in Ireland and other EU countries following action by the European Commission. Previously they were racking-up profits of as much as 400% on calls.

Four of Europe’s largest operators, Vodafone, Telefónica O2, Orange and T-Mobile, challenged the cap before the British courts, and they referred it to the European Court of Justice (ECJ).