EC to cut Europe roaming charges

BRUSSELS, March 28 (UPI) -- The European Commission formally announced Tuesday its intention to reduce roaming charges for mobile-phone calls throughout the continent.

The commission said its plan would eliminate roaming charges for received calls and only charge outgoing calls the normal local and international rates used by local providers.

If implemented, the reductions would begin as early as June.

The action is the result of ongoing complaints about high phone bills racked up by business travelers who frequently operate from other countries.

The mobile industry has staunchly opposed the EC's intentions on the grounds that the current system is working well and roaming costs have already been pushed lower.