The European Commission gave mobile network operators until the 1st of July to cut the cost of using mobile data services while traveling abroad. In response, several European operators, including Dutch mobile operators, have voluntary adjusted their data tariffs. This included roaming tariffs for sending texts messages. However, the European Commission as well as government officials still think data roaming is too expensive and have called on operators to reduce tariffs further or face regulation. According to Viviane Reding, the EU information society commissioner, she will introduce SMS pricing regulations in October of this year. This research brief focuses in particular on current SMS roaming prices in the Netherlands and neighboring countries.
