The European Parliament have voted through proposals for new price caps on the cost of sending text messages and downloading data for people roaming in Europe.
As from 1st July SMS messages sent while roaming abroad will cost no more than 11 euro cents, compared to 28 euro cents today.
Data roaming will be capped at 1 euro per megabyte downloaded, however this is a wholesale rate for inter operator charges, so the end user will pay more. The cap is to be reduced to 50 euro cents by 2011 so should lead to further end user price reductions.
This is great news, not only for regular travellers but more significantly for occasional travellers who suffer “bill shock” when they get home.
This is of particular relevance for brands and content providers because it means their audience is more likely to be switched on regardless of their location.
Another step in the right direction for mobile usage.