Roaming text charges: Operators still to learn lessons

12.37.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Sep 2008

Commenting on today's expected announcement from the European Commission that the price of roaming text and data charges will be dramatically reduced, Sharon said:

"The arrogance of the mobile phone operators is galling. As in 2006 when they were warned about the cost of roaming voice calls and failed to bring the charges down until the EU regulation forced them to. Again, they have resisted with text and data charges so now we will have to regulate for that too.

"For UK consumers, the cost of sending a text message when abroad often is as high as 41p per text. Compared with just 4p with a Latvian mobile phone user, this is scandalous. Today's announcement means that UK operators will not be able to charge more than 9p for a text message sent whilst aboard. When one factors in that the actual cost to the operator is less than 1p it is hard to feel any sympathy with the industry. Once again, action at EU level has greatly benefited the consumer"