EU Cell Roaming Policy Still Unclear

While making progress towards an agreement surrounding roaming in the European Union, the European Commission and member countries still differ over specifics of the arrangement.

During a meeting Wednesday, representatives for both sides failed to reach an agreement however were coming closer on the specifics. Main points of disagreement remain the rates that companies may charge and where consumers should be automatically switched.

The new policies were first introduced last year and were almost immediately criticized by cell phone providers in the region. Groups such as the GSM Association called the rules unnecessary, and said it would prevent carriers from bundling roaming minutes with plans.

Carriers went as far last week as to suggest they will raise domestic rates to balance the loss of revenue from roaming. Combined with regulations aimed at lowering long-distance calls between EU countries, and these carriers stand to lose billions of euros, they say.

EU officials and the European Union back a plan that will automatically switch all customers to the new rate. However, two other options, an opt-in method for all, and opting-in for new customers while older ones are switched are also on the table.

Rates are also at issue: the EU says rates should be limited to 40 euro cents for making calls and 15 to receive; however Germany has suggested these rates be placed at 60 euro cents for outgoing and 30 for incoming. The GSM Association has proposed rates of 65 euro cents and 35 euro cents, respectively.

The EU appears more willing at this moment to budge on the opt-in rules rather than the rates. However, the region wants to move fast and have the new policies in place this summer to be ready for the holiday season.

It is not yet known if that timetable is yet possible, say analysts.