HUGE telephone bills ruining your holiday budget, an internet connection not delivering on its promises: these experiences will be soon old memories.
MEPs led by the UK’s Vicky Ford have pioneered new legislation that means;
The end of roaming charges in June 2017. When travelling in the EU, mobile phone users will pay the same price as at home, with no extra charges.
Strong net neutrality rules protecting the right of every European to access Internet content, without discrimination.
The ability to hold domestic internet service providers to account over download speeds.
East of England MEP Vicky Ford, who help scrutinise the new law, said: "For far too long people holidays have been ruined by a huge phone bill waiting for them at home. This puts an end to excessive roaming charges once and for all."
The deal also covers the common issue of Internet packages not living up to user expectations. Fixed line broadband customers will be entitled to clear information on the quality of services offered.
The new rules also guarantee ‘net neutrality’. This means that users will be free to access content of their choice, they will not be blocked or slowed down. This means for example access to a start-up’s website will not be unfairly slowed down to make the way for bigger companies.
Importantly parental control measures, where permitted in a member state, will be able to continue.
Mrs Ford added, "For the first time customers can hold their internet service providers to account if they don’t get their promised download speed."
