MEPs end an another mobile rip-off (Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats)

Hammersmith and Fulham Liberal Democrats <info@hflibdems.org.uk>

MEPs end an another mobile rip-off

May 20, 2009 7:40 PM
By Dinti Batstone

Dinti Batstone, Liberal Democrat Candidate for the European Parliament

Londoners have MEPs to thank for rescuing them from rip-off mobile phone companies.

Having already forced a reduction in roaming charges for making mobile phone calls abroad, the European Parliament has now tackled SMS text and data charges. From 1st July Londoners using their mobile phones across the EU will be able to relax knowing that they won't come home to huge rip-off bills.

Britons travelling abroad have typically been charged 42p per text, while other Europeans only pay 4p for the same service. Action by MEPs means that the cost of texting home will be capped at 10p per text and receiving texts will be free of charge. The cost of mobile inter net use will also fall significantly.

It is disappointing that London Conservative MEP Syed Kamall refused to vote for EU action to bring down the cost of mobile charges. Europhobia seems to lead Conservatives to oppose even common sense Europe-wide co-ordination that benefits consumers. Liberal Democrat MEPs like Sarah Ludford know how to make Europe work for their constituents - just one reason why voting in the European election on 4th June is so important.

Dinti Batstone

Liberal Democrat European Parliament Candidate

Hammersmith

(H&F LibDems

82a Minford Gardens,

London W14 0AP)