After intense negotiations between representatives of the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament, an agreement has finally been reached leading the way for lower mobile roaming rates and guaranteed open internet.

In view of this agreement, as from June 2017, the price of using a mobile phone while travelling throughout the European Union will be the same as the price one pays when using the phone in the home country. From 30 April 2016 to 15 June 2017, the end user will be charged a minimal surcharge above the domestic rate. This agreement applies to calls made and received, SMS and mobile data usage.

The discussions were concluded with an agreement on the open internet, introducing new European rights safeguarding the use of the internet. These rights guarantee access to a fully open internet service - one that allows users to access content, applications and services of their choice without any undue discrimination or commercialisation by their internet service provider. It also paves the way for the industry to provide innovative high-quality services and applications.

Parliamentary Secretary Herrera commented: “I have no doubt that this agreement will bring considerable benefits and innovation to society at large. Mobile communications and a constant connection to the internet have become a necessity and we must ensure that our citizens are able to make uninhibited use of these resources. With the abolition of EU roaming tariffs announced today our citizens can rest assured that their communications bill will be affordable even when they are travelling overseas. During the past months the Ministry has been working relentlessly with its European counterparts to ensure that this new law benefits both consumers, who create the demand for the services, and industry players who are continuously investing heavily in their networks.”