U-turn on free data roaming: European Commission pulls plans over 90-day cap which penalises pensioners on long holidays

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Katie Morley, Consumer Affairs Editor

9 September 2016 • 12:37pm

 

Europe-wide plans to abolish mobile phone roaming charges have been scrapped at the last minute, following complaints that the policy would unfairly penalise pensioners who spend long spells abroad.

 

The rules included a controversial 90-day cap on free roaming which meant people who go abroad for extended periods - on cruises or business trips - would be forced to pay more for using their mobile phone.

 

The Commission announced the original "free roaming" plans with huge fanfare in early 2015, but when it unveiled the details this week consumer groups were outraged by the free roaming limit.

 

The Commission will now come up with a new version of the rules, which could see the 90-day cap extended - or scrapped all together.

 

It could mean pensioners embarking on long cruises - and those who spend half the year abroad may no longer need to worry about racking up extortionate bills as a result of data roaming charges. 

 

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