|
LUXEMBOURG (AP) - Consumers claimed a victory Thursday as EU governments agreed to cut the cost of using mobile phones abroad, paving the way for a cap on roaming fees to be introduced later this summer.
EU travelers could first notice a difference when they slip over a border in August — their phone will beep, telling them how much a call home will cost. And when they return, they could see their phone bill cut by up to 70 percent compared to the last time they phoned friends or family from the beach.
Lawmakers and governments fast-tracked the new rules in a record 10 months despite heavy lobbying from telecom companies worried about losing profits — even though lower rates may also encourage more people to call more often.
|