First came the proposal. Then it rained criticism. Now the boss gets involved: President Juncker himself orders a new draft to cap mobile charges.
The European Commission has withdrawn its controversial plan for a new regulation of foreign mobile phone costs after fierce criticism. The proposal, according to which providers may limit free roaming in other EU countries to 90 days, is to be revised. President Jean-Claude Juncker has ordered this according to the authorities.
The new rules will come into force mid 2017. It was announced as a "discontinuation" of roaming charges, even when restrictions were always provided. The European Commission, which had to work out the details, had proposed this week, among other things, that providers must only grant at least 90 days per year of no additional cost for calls, SMS and data usage in other EU countries. Also a limitation to to 30 days abroad in a row should be possible without surcharge. Border commuters were excluded, but flat-rate customers limited.
Members of the European Parliament were pleased -there had been a lot of criticism from their ranks. "Good that the European Commission makes a new proposal", said the head of the conservative EPP Group, Manfred Weber, on Twitter.
The Green MEP Jan Philipp Albrecht wrote: "This is surprising and provides hope then for the desired end of the roaming in the EU." The Luxembourg MEP and former EU Commissioner Viviane Reding endorsed a new draft.
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