Brussels, 01/03/2010 (Agence Europe) - Since 1 March, consumers downloading data from abroad, within the European Union, will be able to better manage their invoice. Since this date, mobile telephone operators are obliged to inform their clients when they exceed a ceiling amount and to cut off the data transfer if they do not respond to the warning. "Protection against data roaming bill shocks is a useful step towards building customers' confidence to use mobile networks to surf the internet when travelling around Europe. Such confidence is essential if people and businesses are to use the internet to its full potential", said Neelie Kroes, the commissioner responsible for the digital agenda.
Under the provisions of the new rules on roaming, operators have been obliged since 1 March to offer their clients a download limit of €50 per month. Once 80% of this ceiling amount is met, the operators must send a warning before cutting off the connection. Until 1 July, any consumer who so wishes can choose another ceiling amount, but after this date the €50 limit will be imposed by default. This measure will provide greater transparency and protection for consumers, the Commission states. The national regulatory authorities must verify whether the operators are observing the new rules. As for the consumers, they can contact the national regulator if they notice any anomalies. (I.L./transl.fl)