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06th Jun 2018

Phonecalls and texts are about to get a lot cheaper under new EU telecom rules

Michael Lanigan

Brexit roaming

The new rules are also set to bring 5G to all member states before the end of 2020.

International calls inside the EU are set to be capped at 19c per minute after the European Parliament and Council reached a provisional agreement on the new EU telecom rules.

The European Electronic Communications Code, proposed by the Commission is set to introduce a further cap of 6c per text message, while also laying the groundwork for the deployment of 5G across Europe, which would be available by late 2020.

Intending to boost investment in very high capacity networks across all EU states, including remote and rural areas, the next step is for all member states to agree upon these rules.

The news was announced via Twitter by Finnish MP Miapetra Kumpula-Natri after almost 12 hours of discussions, who wrote: “Happy that we will now encourage investment, while making sure competition will remain effective. New spectrum will boost us to 5G era.

“And – no more overly expensive calls an SMS! Today we decided to put a cap on prices if you call or text another EU-country from your home. Good step forward.”

Commenting on the agreement, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel, said: “The new telecoms rules are an essential building block for Europe’s digital future.

“After several months of tough negotiations, we have agreed on bold and balanced rules to provide faster access to radio spectrum, better services and more protection for consumers, as well as greater investment in very high speed networks.”

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