Mobile users set for free roaming after ruling

MOBILE phone users are in line for zero charges for roaming in the EU after four of the largest telecommunications companies lost their case in the European Court of Justice.

The companies, Vodafone, O2, T-Mobile and Orange, wanted legislation that forced them to slash roaming charges by up to 70% overturned, claiming the commission exceeded its power.

But the court found they were well within their rights to insist that they gradually decrease their charges for making and receiving phone calls and text messages when their customers were in another EU state.