Ritchie calls for end of European Roaming Charges | Latest Newry News, Newry Sport and Newry Business for Newry City

Ritchie calls for end of European Roaming Charges

SDLP South Down MP Margaret Ritchie has called on the Minister for Culture and the Digital Economy to take action to end roaming charges for mobile phone users within Europe.

roamingThe European Parliament voted for an early end to roaming charges in 2014 following a proposal from the European Commission for the abolition of roaming charges as part of the EC’s Telecoms Single Market package. This is yet to be implemented.

Speaking to Newry Times, Ritchie said, “Despite the EC and European Parliament agreeing that people travelling within the EU could use their mobile phones on the same tariffs as in their home Member State, this has not been implemented.

“This is a particular issue for Northern Ireland residents who travel to the Republic of Ireland and for people who live in border areas. Research by Ofcom in 2012 found that people who live and work along the north Antrim coast and in border areas who unintentionally ‘roam’ into the South can incur additional charges of up to £300 a year. That is a significant sum, especially in trying financial times.

“Roaming charges across the European Union should be abolished. Delays in Member States’ failure to agree on implementation is costing people across Northern Ireland, not only when they travel abroad but when they cross into the South.

She added, “I will be raising this issue with the Minister and urging him to take action.”

Short URL: https://newrytimes.com/?p=51311

Posted by on Jun 11 2015. 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

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