EU rules for mobile roaming 'urgently needed': Germany
Michael Glos
(HANOVER) - German Economy Minister Michael Glos called on Wednesday for a Europe-wide regulation on the so-called "roaming fees" charged by mobile telecom operators for telephone calls made in a foreign country.
The current cost of using a cell phone outside the user's home country is "much too high" and a "Europe-wide regulation that will cut costs for citizens on a lasting basis is urgently needed," Glos said in a statement released ahead of the opening of the CeBIT telecoms and computer trade fair here.
EU telecoms ministers were scheduled to meet informally on the sidelines of the CeBIT to discuss a number of topics, including roaming fees. Germany currently holds the six-month rotating presidency of the EU.
"The aim of the regulation will be to safeguard customers against excessive roaming fees," Glos said. "At the informal meeting on Thursday, I will do everything I can so that we draw up and agree on a common position."
Key details, such as price levels and regulation, had yet to be worked out, the minister added.
The meeting on Thursday was aimed at "advancing debate for further discussion," Glos said.
Meeting of Ministers for Telecommunications and Information Society - further information
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