Charges for surfing the internet on smartphones while travelling in the EU have been cut by half as new rules come into force. European leaders have brought in changes over recent years to cut the fees in stages since 2007, aiming to eliminate them entirely within months. These roaming charges can lead to phone users getting a "bill shock" following overseas trips. The latest changes are designed to coincide with the holiday season. "This huge drop in data roaming prices will make a big difference to all of us this summer," said Neelie Kroes, the EU telecoms commissioner.


Fees for calls and text messages should also be reduced as the new rules come into effect on Tuesday. Stuart Miles, founder of the Pocket Lint website, said that consumers should feel the benefit of the changes, although phone companies could alter some of their deals. He said that many operators already had infrastructure across different European countries so these additional charges were questionable.....Read more here