MOBILE PHONE USERS heading for holidays or on regular business trips in Europe are set to benefit from the abolition of roaming charges throughout the European Union.
Moray’s MP Angus Robertson – who has taken a particular interest in campaigning for better mobile phone coverage in Moray – has welcomed the news that those travelling further afield should see much greater freedom.
Mr Robertson said that a deal between the European Commission, Parliament and Council of Ministers is likely to ensure data roaming charges will end from the start of June 2017. It should mean the end of people in Moray being hit by unexpectedly high mobile phone bills when they travel in Europe.
The MP said: “Accessing internet services is a normal everyday activity for many, many people now and getting data roaming charges abolished across the EU will be a major step forward in connectivity for holidaymakers and business travellers alike.
“Moray folk in their thousands travel to Europe every year for both business and leisure – getting affordable internet access is a reasonable expectation, given it is now one of the most common way to communicate.
“News that a deal has been reached on this issue is very positive indeed. The abolition of data roaming charges will help to open up internet access to EU citizens travelling between member states, ensuring people across the EU can stay connected.
“Being able to enjoy the same data conditions at home and in Europe will be an undoubted benefit of being part of the European Union and is one of many positives of why remaining in the EU is the right thing to do.”