PRESS STATEMENT - 21.09.2016

In response to the European Commission’s proposal on roaming, Monique Goyens, Director General of The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) commented:

“It is very good news that time limits on roaming have been dropped. There should not be penalties for all consumers just because some hypothetically could misuse the system.

“Consumers should be able to make phone calls, send messages and use the internet for the entirety of their stay abroad and not be charged additional costs when travelling for a long period of time, working or studying in another EU country. This is what consumers expect from the single market.

“It is vital that today’s measures do not lead to a systematic control of all phone users by their telecom providers.

“A crucial next step in order for all consumers to roam like at home is a sensible reform of the telephone wholesale market. Phone companies should not be allowed to charge each-other overly expensive fees when a customer is roaming.”