EU Parliament votes to end roaming charges by Christmas 2015

(Photo: Ivana Vuksa)

As expected, the European Parliament voted Thursday to end roaming charges by Christmas 2015 at the latest.

This decision will make it possible to create a single telecom market - without boundaries, with the aim of improving the competitiveness and introducing innovations within the European Union.

The moves are part of the European Commission’s vision for a ‘Connected Continent.’ The Commission proposed the regulation in September 2013. This vote is the EU delivering for citizens.

- This is what the EU is all about – getting rid of barriers to make life easier and less expensive - European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes said and added that nearly all of us depended on mobile and internet connections as part of our daily lives.

- We should know what we are buying, we should not be ripped-off, and we should have the opportunity to change our mind. Companies should have the chance to serve all of us, and this regulation makes it easier for them to do that. It’s win-win - said Kroes.

EU Member States will now continue to review the regulation and the Commission expects final agreement of the Regulation by end of 2014.