EU set to cap cost of international calls and texts for member states

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The European Union is set to cap the cost of international phone calls and text messages between member states, in its latest bid to break down the borders between its constituent countries.

Representatives of the European Parliament and member state governments agreed a package of reforms on Wednesday that would cap calls between EU countries at 19 euro cents (17p) per minute and text messages at 6 cents (5p).

The measures, if formally approved by MEPs and the European Council, would follow the abolition of roaming charges for travellers across the EU, a popular Brussels policy which came into effect in 2017.

They are part of a larger package of measures, expected to be signed off at a summit of EU leaders in October, to encourage the growth of 5G telecoms and superfast fibre broadband across the bloc.

The deal between the Parliament and Council negotiators was struck after 12 hours of talks spanning Tuesday and the early hours of Wednesday. The European Parliament is understood to have pushed for the capping of the charges, arguing that they were often disproportionately high.

The other parts of the agreed telecoms package will aim to roll out 5G radio services by the end of 2020, with licences for the 5G spectrum put out in 20 year blocks. The building of high speed fibre broadband will be incentivised by encouraging incumbent firms to co-invest with newcomers.

Most phones can already send messages and conduct voice calls for free between member states by using data-based services such as WhatsApp, Skype, or Telegram.

“No more overly expensive calls and SMS! Today we decided to put a cap on prices if you call or text another EU-country from your home. Good step forward,” said Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, a Finnish centre-left MEP involved in negotiating the deal.

UK-based Remain supporters seized on the news as evidence of the benefits of EU membership. Liberal Democrat MEP Catherine Bearder said:

“First roaming charges, now cheaper phone calls. This is yet another benefit of our EU membership we risk losing if we leave.

“This new law means that calls home to loved ones whether you’re on holiday or on business will be cheaper just like roaming charges are. The British voters must have a final say on the Brexit deal with the option to stay in the EU with all its benefits.”

The EU’s digital economy commissioner Mariya Gabriel, said: “The new telecoms rules are an essential building block for Europe's digital future.

“After several months of tough negotiations, we have agreed on bold and balanced rules to provide faster access to radio spectrum, better services and more protection for consumers, as well as greater investment in very high speed networks.”