Brussels, 02/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - In a poll of more than 1,040 people aged 18 to 34 from across Europe, published on 1 April by the European Commission, an overwhelming majority of young people say they want an end to roaming charges, which they describe as “unbelievable”. They also want an end to restrictions on content that they can access online from mobile devices.
“Young people have sent us a message loud and clear: that they want to end roaming. They want unrestricted access. It's our job in Brussels to take responsibility and deliver that”, said Digital Strategy Commissioner Neelie Kroes.
The poll was carried out online and in person by the ThinkYoung thinktank. It reveals that 93% of young Europeans feel restricted abroad due to high roaming charges (only 37% use mobile internet abroad, compared with 86% at home); the majority would increase their mobile usage if roaming fees disappeared; 81% want to have unrestricted internet access (25% face restrictions today); 29% do not know whether their tariff for mobile communications includes restrictions on peer-to-peer or VoIP services like Skype or WhatsApp; 79% are in favour of strengthening the EU's regulatory powers in order to guarantee fair access and to harmonise the single market.
On Thursday 3 April, the European Parliament will vote in plenary on the draft connected continent regulation unveiled by the European Commission to create a single telecoms market in Europe by scrapping roaming charges and ensuring net neutrality (see other article). Information collected by EU regulatory body ORECE shows that reductions in mobile phone tariffs recently have led to a rise in mobile device usage. (IL)