Romanian Mobile Operators To Set Cut-Off Limit For Roaming Data Transfers As Of July 1

"The default cut-off limit applied by operators will be of maximum EUR50 per month, net of VAT. Users may choose a different cut-off limit or may choose to have no limit at all," the regulator said.

Under this mechanism, mobile operators will, following a warning, cut consumers' mobile connection to the internet while abroad when their bill reaches a specified limit.

"Setting a cut-off limit for roaming data transfer and communication services guarantee more transparency and protection for consumers, by limiting the risks of automatic and uncontrolled roaming data transfers. We also advise all mobile users on Romanian territory but close to the border to check that their phone does not automatically connect to the mobile network of the neighboring country and thus pay roaming fees instead of local fees," said regulator head Catalin Marinescu.

With the coming into force of EU roaming rules, mobile operators must observe a series of obligations to protect the interests of customers using roaming data communication services.

As of March 1, 2010, European mobile phone operators are obliged under EU roaming rules to offer their customers a cut-off limit facility to protect them from "bill shocks" for surfing the Internet with their mobile phones and laptops while travelling in other EU countries. This cut-off mechanism will, following a warning, cut consumers' mobile connection to the internet while abroad when their bill reaches a specified limit.

Customers may choose, as of March 1, to set their own cut-off limit. Customers will receive a warning when they near the chosen limit and another warning when they hit the respective limit, allowing them to opt for either service cut-off or continuity.

Until 1 July 2010, customers need to make a deliberate choice in order to benefit from a cut-off limit. But, customers who do not make a choice by 1 July 2010 will have the cut-off limit set at €50 by default as from that date.

In June, EU roaming charges of Romanian operators ranged between EUR2 and EUR5 per megabyte, net of VAT.

As of July 1, the maximum charge for outgoing roaming calls will be lowered to EUR0.39/minute from EUR0.43/minute, while the maximum charge for incoming roaming calls will be lowered to EUR0.15/minute from EUR0.19/minute.

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