The Mobile Internet Report Key Themes*

Lower Mobile Data Roaming Fees =
Encourage Usage Take-Off in Western Europe
EU (European Union) Extends Roaming Regulations to Include SMS + Data –
In 7/09, the EU agreed to extend caps on roaming charges to SMS and Data
Usage for consumers who are travelling in other member states. This increases
the value of a mobile data subscription to business and private consumers, in our
view.
SMS Roaming Fee Cap – New regulations limit the price for sending a text
message (unlike the US, receiving a message is free for EU consumers) while
abroad to €0.11 vs. prior regional average of €0.28.
Data Roaming Fee Cap – New regulations limit the price for data usage while
abroad to €1 per megabyte. This limit will decrease to €0.80 per megabyte in
2010 and €0.50 per megabyte in 2011.
Bill Shock Protection – By 3/10, carriers are required to install automatic data
roaming cap of €50/month.
Roaming Fee Disclosure – Carriers also required to adequately inform
consumers of the charges that apply for data roaming services.
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