EU-Roaming
EU Roaming is relevant for users of smartphones, mobile phones, and tablets. Roaming fees apply to incoming and outgoing calls, SMS, MMS, and all internet services: usage, downloading or updating apps, loading web pages, and so on. This also includes commonly used applications like WhatsApp or Facebook. Technically and legally, uniform EU Roaming conditions apply in the 28 EU member states, as well as in Switzerland, Norway, and microstates such as Monaco or San Marino.
EU Roaming Charges
Regulation of roaming charges within the EU has so far been thwarted by the resistance of major telecommunications companies. With the recent EU decision, a harmonized cost structure across Europe will be established for the first time. Roaming charges are expected to be eliminated by June 15, 2017. As an intermediate step, the first cost reductions and new regulations will come into effect on May 1, 2016. Receiving SMS abroad within the EU is already free of charge.
Elimination of Roaming Charges from June 2017
However, from June 2017, there will be two exceptions:
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Fair Use Limit: Mobile operators can still charge customers additional fees if they exceed a yet-to-be-determined threshold (Fair Use Limit). This measure aims to prevent misuse and persistent roaming, such as purchasing a cheaper SIM card abroad and using it domestically or if a customer resides permanently abroad but uses a contract concluded for their home country.
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Cost Recovery Surcharge: Mobile operators can impose surcharges if they can prove that their costs for providing regulated roaming services are not covered and that this affects domestic prices. If a mobile operator provides such proof, national regulatory authorities may allow the operator to impose surcharges on a case-by-case basis to cover costs.
The European Commission is currently working on regulations for the so-called Fair Use Limit, which are to be established by December 15, 2016, and will include transparency requirements for end users. As of June 15, 2017, regulated EU roaming services are expected to cost the same as domestic services up to a certain limit.
If mobile operators do not use this option within their regulated tariffs, their customers can use their domestic tariff abroad without restrictions.