Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue has slammed the European Commission for rowing back on a decision to end roaming charges. Despite announcing that roaming charges across the EU would be scrapped completely, the Commission has now decided to insert a “fair usage policy”, which only allows for 90 days of free roaming in any one year.
Deputy McConalogue commented, “This u-turn is extremely disappointing and is bad news for consumers. Roaming charges are a major bug bear for mobile customers, who can find themselves coming home to extortionate bills after a holiday or trip abroad. People living here in Donegal and along the border are disproportionately affected as many of us have to travel across the border for work, and in some cases simply to get from one place to another.
Charlie McConalogue
“We can’t talk about increasing cross-border trade, tourism and investment when this artificial cost is being forced on neighbours, tourists and business people.
“It’s obvious that the European Commission has abandoned its duty to consumers and bowed to the pressure of big telecommunications companies. The initial decision that was voted on and approved by the European Parliament last year was for a complete ban on roaming charges. What’s been announced this week is nowhere near that and will see continue to see mobile customers penalised.
“The Commission needs to support consumers, not big business and should seriously reconsider including this new clause in this legislation”.
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