Davies backs cut in text charges

OLDHAM Euro-MP Chris Davies has backed new European rules for cheaper texts while abroad.

From July 1, British holidaymakers will see a drop in the price of texting while abroad.

The European Parliament has already forced mobile phone companies to lower call prices. Now it says texting home from countries in Europe should cost less, too.

People will now pay a maximum of around 10p per message — about a third of what it currently costs.

Texts will be free to receive, making all the difference to tourists wanting to stay in touch with home while on holiday abroad.

The changes will also restrict how much phone companies can charge to surf the Internet on mobiles, as well as further lowering the costs of making and receiving calls abroad.

Mr Davies said he was amazed that British holidaymakers were charged around 41p per text, while a Latvian tourist would expect to pay only 4p.

The Liberal Democrat said: “Mobile phone companies have been charging consumers far more than they should for using their mobile phones in other European countries.

“People shouldn’t have to pay a fortune just to get the football scores on their mobiles or to text their family from abroad.

“This is a good example of EU countries being stronger together in putting an end to phone company rip-offs.

“This should stop some of the nasty shocks European consumers get when they come home from their holiday and open their phone bill.”