Local Euro MP supports cuts to mobile charges

12.14.06pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 23rd Sep 2008

Local Liberal Democrat Euro MP, Diana Wallis, will today, Tuesday, support proposals brought forward by the European Commission to the European Parliament to cut the cost of using mobile phones abroad, for text, data and voice calls.

Liberal Democrat MEP, Diana Wallis, a Vice-President of the European Parliament, said in advance of today's announcement by the Information Society Commissioner, Viviane Reding:

"The absurd cost of using a mobile phone abroad for making text and voice calls has made consumers angry. There is a feeling that consumers are being ripped off by the mobile phone companies.

"In Europe we want our businesses to be mobile and competitive. Removing the high price of text, data and voice calls will remove an obstacle for them and for holiday makers too, so I very much welcome these proposals".

The cost of sending a message is expected to eventually fall by 60% from an average of 23 pence to 9 pence. Voice calls would fall from 36 to 27 pence a minute and customers would be able to set limits on data downloads.

Once the legislative process gets underway the proposals could become law by next July.

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