The government of Malta is squarely on the side of EU citizens when it comes to the issue of mobile phone roaming tariffs, said Parliamentary Secretary Jose Herrera yesterday.

Speaking during the European Dialogue on Internet Governance forum, Dr Herrera said that there was deadlock in discussions between teh European Parliament, the European Commission and the Council of Europe over new regulations for roaming tariffs and net neutrality.

Dr Herrera also discussed the issue with representatives from the European Commission and Bulgaria’s Deputy ICT Minister. The meeting was held in Bulgaria.

Dr Herrera emphasised that now, more than ever before, telecommunications is ingrained in Europe’s markets. He said that a clear roadmap was needed to give EU citizens what they deserved and that is why a solution to the impasse was needed soon.

He said Malta’s position on roaming tariffs was clear – EU citizens should pay a flat rate across the bloc, no matter where they are within the European Union and where they are making calls to. He said he understood that a surcharge was needed, but it should be on wholesale tariffs and as low as possible.

European Commission representatives said there was agreement that roaming tariffs should be regulated, however the European Parliament wanted fixed legislation on prices.

Dr Herrera also said that all limitations on internet access should be removed and that prices should be affordable to all because the EU regards access to telecommunications as being a right for all citizens of the bloc.

He said that a digital charter should be drawn up to safeguard the rights of all citizens and to outline their duties.