Why are mobile roaming charges so high?
A Lords Committee will today question why customers often face expensive charges when using their mobile phones abroad (‘roaming') when it takes evidence as part of its enhanced scrutiny of proposals from the European Commission to lower mobile phone roaming charges within the EU.
The House of Lords EU Sub-Committee on the Internal Market will question mobile phone companies and consumer groups about the reasons for the high costs of roaming, the case for EU regulation in the area and the measures needed to protect consumers from “bill shock”. The Committee will also ask witnesses what the maximum roaming charges should be, as well as how those using internet-enabled smartphones can be protected in any new regulation.
The Committee will hear from:
- Julie Minns – Head of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility, Three UK;
- Bob Warner – Chair, Communications Consumer Panel;
- Erzsebet Fitori – Director of Regulatory Affairs, European Competitive Telecommunications Association; and
- Robyn Durie – Director of Regulatory Affairs, Everything Everywhere.
The evidence session will start at 3.45pm on Monday 5 February in Committee Room 2 of the House of Lords.
The evidence session is open to media and the public. Please allow time for security screening.
The evidence session will also be broadcast live on Parliament TV.