The European Commission reminds that from 1 of July 2012, the using mobile internet to access maps, videos, photos, social networks and email will be much cheaper while travelling in other EU Member States. It will also be cheaper the voice and SMS prices.

The new EU regulation on data roaming will enter into force from 1 July 2012, following the approval given by the Council last May. The European Commission reminds that thanks to these rules, for the first time, there will be a maximum charge for "data roaming" - downloading data from the internet when using a mobile connection. In particular, the maximum charge will be 70 cents per Megabyte (MB) to download data or browse the Internet whilst travelling abroad (charged per Kilobyte used), plus VAT. By 2014, as prices are cut further, the maximum cost of downloading data will be just 20 cents per Megabyte, plus VAT, a saving of 90% on many current rates.

In addition, the maximum charge for voice calls and SMS prices will fall. From 1 of July, the new maximum prices will be 29 cents per minute to make a call, plus VAT; 8 cents per minute to receive a call, plus VAT; and 9 cents to send a text message, plus VAT. According to the European Commission, overall, the improved EU roaming regulation will deliver consumers savings of 75% across a range of mobile roaming services, compared to 2007 prices.

The measures coming into effect on 1 July are the first in a series of progressively reducing price caps, eventually leading to a new system that will introduce choice, competition and new great roaming deals into the market by allowing consumers to choose a separate roaming contract before they travel or a provider at their destination, similar to the way they choose a Wi-Fi network. This option will be possible as of 1 July 2014.