Rogers welcomes European Commission decision on roaming charges

SDLP MLA for South Down Seán Rogers has welcomed the European Commission’s decision to completely abolish roaming charges in 2014.

Speaking to Newry Times, Rogers said, “Further to my meeting with Ofcom during the Summer, I had been highlighting the arbitrary effect on mobile users of roaming charges.

“Such charges have a particularly adverse effect on people living in border areas and results in exorbitant phone bills for many.

“There have been recent steps to eradicate roaming charges but the latest announcement by Neelie Kroes, the European Commissioner for Digital Affairs will hopefully see these invidious charges confined to the dustbin.

The SDLP MLA continued, “I welcome the legislation being brought forward by the European Commission which aims to reduce consumer charges and bring a range of new rights for users and service providers. The Northern Assembly is obliged to do all it can to follow the lead of the European Commission and remove cross border roaming charges on the Island of Ireland.

“People here want to see high speed fibre optic broadband that will enhance their broadband use be it in the home or for business use. An improved service will assist those travelling across Ireland or doing business within the country.

Rogers added, “If the immediate introduction of an all-Ireland telecommunications tariff can be expedited, not only will it support the European Commission’s plans to abolish roaming charges completely, but it will also right a great injustice to border users.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=35080

Posted by Newry Times News on Sep 30 2013. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry