As anticipated, European Union telecoms ministers have agreed the cost of sending an SMS when roaming within the EU bloc should be reduced. They have recommended the cost of a roaming text message be capped at eleven Euro cents. The recommendation still requires the approval of the European Parliament but this is expected to be a formality.
Once approved the measures will come into effect July 1, just in time to benefit tourists during the peak holiday period. Currently the average price for sending an SMS whilst roaming in Europe is 29 Euro cents so the new regime is likely to have a significant impact. The ministerial council also recommended a cap of one Euro per megabyte on data roaming charges.
For more on this story go to The Register and The Inquirer
Related articles:
EU ministers poised to endorse mobile data pricing cap
SMS roaming charges to be slashed, if Reding gets her way...
EU to impose heavy cuts to SMS roaming charges