The European Union is extending its roaming like at home rules by 10 years, with savings for travelers.
In 2017, the European Union made the rational decision to abolish or at least drastically reduce roaming charges for its citizens traveling within member countries. It was the village “Vagabond like at home”. Valid in all 27 EEA countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, but not in the UK due to Brexit, roam like at home was due to expire at the end of June. However, this Thursday, the European Commission announced that it is extending it for another ten years, until 2032.
The European Union extends its “Roam like at home”regulation by 10 years.
The European Commission cites benefits for both consumers and telecommunications as reasons for its decision, with consumers having a “better roaming experience with the same quality of mobile service abroad as if they were in their country of origin”, as well as improved access to emergency help. services and more transparency about various expenses so that travelers in the European Union do not get a huge bill when they return home.
“Do you remember when you had to turn off your mobile data while traveling in Europe to avoid a huge bill?” Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market, asked in a press statement. Well, that’s ancient history. And we intend to keep it for at least another 10 years. More speed, more transparency: we continue to improve the lives of European citizens.”
Savings for travelers
An extension to this rule strongly suggests that operators “provide customers with access to 4G or newer 5G networks where available”and “automatically terminate mobile services if mobile services on non-terrestrial networks reach €50 or any other predetermined limit.””. In addition, this regulation requires the 112 emergency number to be available throughout the European Economic Area, and by June 2023, all operators will be required to inform travelers of this possibility via SMS or pop-ups when entering the European Union.
More importantly, this new regulation will save money as the European Union allows very attractive wholesale data and voice rates to be negotiated with carriers. Users will be able to pay €2/GB this year, and only €1/GB in 2027. For voice – 0.022 EUR/min until 2025, when the rate will drop to 0.019 EUR/min. For SMS: €0.004 per unit until 2025 and €0.003 after.