GSMA charts drop in EU data roaming prices

Nieuws Mobiel Europa 30 JUN 2011
GSMA charts drop in EU data roaming prices
The GSMA released the first issue of its Data Roaming Price Basket Index, as the industry group steps up lobbying over proposed EU regulation of data roaming prices. The first index by AT Kearney looked at data roaming prices across 101 EU mobile operator websites in the period 6-10 June 2011, and compared the prices with a similar survey in April. The results show the average of each operator's best data roaming tariffs dropped almost 20 percent in the three months. For 5, 10 and 50MB usage baskets, postpaid prices now average EUR 0.69-1.19 per MB and the average prepaid price is EUR 1.47-1.66 per MB. The average heavy user can get 100MB of roaming data for EUR 0.45 per MB with the best available tariff, according to the survey. The GSMA plans to publish the index every two months. The European Commission is expected to soon unveil new proposals for regulating roaming prices in the EU, which could include tougher controls on retail data prices. Wholesale data prices are already capped, but the EU commissioner for telecom issues, Neelie Kroes, has warned the industry that this has not resulted in a strong enough drop in end-user prices.

Categories:

Mobiel

Companies:

European Commission,  GSMA-India

Regions:

Europa

Tags:

Data services, Regulations, Wholesale, Pricing, Legislation - Lawsuits

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