Piotr

The proposal provides for an extension of the regulation currently in force, which is due to expire in 2010, a further reduction in charges and an extension of pricing limits to cover SMS and data services in addition to voice calls.

The new rules will ensure that the price paid by users of mobile communication networks for community-wide roaming services, i.e. when travelling within the EU, is not unjustifiably higher than the price paid for making or receiving a call, sending and receiving an SMS message and transferring data in their country of origin. It also aims to ensure that users have the information needed to understand and control their roaming expenditure.

Now, the final step in the approval process has been taken which will enable the President of the European Parliament and the Council Presidency to formally sign the Regulation on 18 June. It can then be published in the EU's Official Journal a few days later. As the new roaming rules are included in an EU Regulation, they are will become effective immediately in all 27 EU Member States on 1 July 2009.