Thursday, March 30, 2006
EU Roaming Charges
After a day or two in shock the European mobile operators seem to recover. Of course Vodafone's Sarin objects, but a bit lame, according to Forbes.com:
Vodafone, which operates in 17 EU and non-EU countries, said the EU proposal to scrap the fee to receive a call did not recognize that companies must pay connection costs.
Interestingly T-Mobile says that in theory, it is in favor of lower call charges, but believes competition will bring prices down.
Really? When?
Viviane Reding is still on her task:
She explained that mobile phone users on the continent are slammed with high phone bills simply for crossing a border inside the union. "Today it is only when using your mobile phone abroad you realize that there are still borders in Europe."
It's a lucrative business too: One U.K. newspaper estimated that mobile phone firms make up to 15% of their income from roaming charges.
Reding said the companies generate "pure profit" by charging travelers for receiving a call when they are away, and had paid no heed to warnings they should trim costs.
"Mobile operators seem to have some difficulty understanding my message."
Hear, hear.
Vodafone, which operates in 17 EU and non-EU countries, said the EU proposal to scrap the fee to receive a call did not recognize that companies must pay connection costs.
Interestingly T-Mobile says that in theory, it is in favor of lower call charges, but believes competition will bring prices down.
Really? When?
Viviane Reding is still on her task:
She explained that mobile phone users on the continent are slammed with high phone bills simply for crossing a border inside the union. "Today it is only when using your mobile phone abroad you realize that there are still borders in Europe."
It's a lucrative business too: One U.K. newspaper estimated that mobile phone firms make up to 15% of their income from roaming charges.
Reding said the companies generate "pure profit" by charging travelers for receiving a call when they are away, and had paid no heed to warnings they should trim costs.
"Mobile operators seem to have some difficulty understanding my message."
Hear, hear.
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