New EU regulations have forced mobile operators to cut roaming charges by 75 per cent, with complete abolition planned for 2017, according to the European Commission. The move aims to prevent 'bill shock' for travellers who unknowingly incur high charges abroad.
Prime Minister David Cameron has seized on the development as evidence of the benefits of EU membership. 'EU roaming charges now down to near-zero; gone entirely next year. Consumers are better off remaining in the EU,' he tweeted from the official Number 10 account.
The regulations are introduced via an EU regulation, not a directive, meaning they would not automatically remain in UK law if the country votes to leave in June's referendum. Commissioner Günther H. Oettinger said the agreement showed the EU could deliver tangible results for citizens.
However, the Leave.eu campaign dismissed the impact. A spokesperson said: 'If David Cameron thinks the British public will vote to stay because they'll save a few quid on their phone bill, he is seriously deluded. It just shows how much he and the rest of the Europhile elite are out of touch with ordinary voters.'
