MEPs look to cut mobile roaming charges

MEPs want to slash mobile phone roaming charges — not just for making calls but also for receiving and sending text messages and data.

The proposal, to cut roaming charges for mobile calls by up to 70% in time for the summer holidays in July, cleared the first of several hurdles in the European Parliament yesterday.

MEPs on the Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee voted in favour of the plan to force mobile phone companies to reduce the sums they charge customers for making and receiving calls when they are abroad.