[Flash Eurobarometer 454] The end of roaming charges within the EU

Background and further information:

Since 15 June 2017 Europeans can use their mobile phones (calls, SMS and data) when travelling in the European Union without paying extra roaming charges. This means travellers can use their phone abroad exactly like at home when they travel.

Prior to this date, the Commission worked for a decade to reduce and ultimately end extra roaming charges that telecoms operators imposed on their customers each time they crossed a border while using their mobile device on holiday or during business trips. Between 2007 and 2016, roaming prices had decreased by more than 90%, and prices fell for the final time in April 2016.

In 2015 there was an agreement to end roaming charges for people travelling in the EU. To make this happen, the European Commission adopted a fair use policy and sustainability mechanism in December 2016, and made proposals for new wholesale roaming prices.

The survey shows that a large majority of Europeans recognise the benefits of roaming without extra charges. It also shows that people started to change their behaviour when using their mobile phones abroad.

The European Commission published on 26 September 2017 a Flash Eurobarometer measuring awareness about the abolition of roaming charges, and the impact this has had on citizens’ mobile use when travelling in the European Union.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: IP/17/3241, 26.09.17: First summer without roaming charges: Europeans see benefits of the new rules http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-17-3241_en.htm

EurActiv, 26.09.17: Europeans used phones more during first summer without roaming fees https://www.euractiv.com/section/digital/news/europeans-used-phones-more-during-first-summer-without-roaming-fees/

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