EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT VOTES TO CAP ROAMING PHONE CHARGERS

12.00.00am GMT Tue 13th Mar 2007

Liz Lynne, Lib Dem MEP for the West Midlands, today welcomed a report by the European Parliament's Industry Committee agreeing a consumer protection tariff to cap international roaming charges and lower the cost of using mobile phones abroad.

The adoption of today's report has raised hopes that a deal capping roaming charges within Europe can be struck by the end of June.

Liz believes the ending of excessive mobile charges will benefit many Europeans

After final approval by all MEP's in May, the EU will likely sign off on regulations in the first half of the year capping roaming charges at around 50c (30p) per minute.

Speaking today in Brussels, Liz Lynne commented:

"I look forward to a final deal by the end of June, with the new law coming into effect by early July, just as many West Midland's holiday makers leave the UK for their summer break. Ending overcharging will benefit tourists and business travellers alike"

"Consumers and businesses continue to pay ridiculously high prices for using their mobile phones on the Continent. As someone who regularly uses a UK mobile in other European countries, I know first hand how expensive it can be."

"Although British mobile customers are not the worst off in Europe, the European Commission's investigations have shown that British travellers are still paying excessive prices."