New rules to protect consumers from holiday mobile bill horror

The Summer holidays are just around the corner for many, and with internet access on mobile phones it’s never been easier to stay in touch with what’s going on at home. However, coming back from holiday to a huge mobile phone bill can be a nasty surprise.

That’s why Telford MP David Wright has given his backing to new European rules on roaming charges which should make this ‘bill shock’ a thing of the past.

All mobile companies now have to apply a cut-off limit once a customer’s mobile internet bill reaches €50 – around £40 – per month, while in the EU. This will happen automatically, unless customers opt out but customers can also select their own limit.

Mobile companies must also send customers a text message or email when they reach 80% and then 100% of the agreed limit. They must then stop providing and charging for the internet when the limit is met unless the consumer re-authorises their account. 

David Wright MP said:
“Coming home from a holiday can be an anti-climax, but to come home to a massive and unexpected mobile phone bill can make it even worse. That’s why I am pleased that these new European rules are in place in order to stop this kind of thing happening without customer’s knowledge. Some people will choose to spend lots of time on the internet, but for those who either do so inadvertently or do not wish to have temptation placed in their way, these rules will be good news.”

In addition to a limit and text messages, when a customer enters a different EU country, operators must send a welcome SMS/text message with basic price information on roaming services, a free phone number for more detailed price information, and the 112 emergency number. They must also send a reminder of data roaming prices when the customer first connects to that service in a different EU country.