Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 May 2017
579. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of changes to EU telephone and Internet data coverage rules and charges for those travelling abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21658/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission is currently collaborating with National Regulatory Authorities to provide detailed guidance on how Roam Like at Home (RLAH) can be introduced at retail level and is also working closely with consumer organisations across the EU (BEUC, the European Consumer Organisation).
The Irish Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) is the competent statutorily independent regulatory authority for Telecoms and as such will be the authority which will regulate the Roam Like At Homeregime in Ireland from 15 June 2017. In this regard, ComReg will have a role in ensuring full legal and regulatory compliance. I expect that all mobile operators will be fully compliant with Irish and EU legislation, including RLAH from 15 June 2017.
EU Roam Like at Home will give Irish and EU consumers the ability to use their mobile devices, within other EU countries, at domestic rates, subject to Fair Use Policy, from 15 June 2017.
Throughout negotiations at EU level on this initiative, including at the EU Council of Ministers, Ireland has been fully supportive of the Roam Like at Home principle, and, in particular, the importance of obtaining a sustainable agreement for business and consumers alike.
The new EU rules clearly cover data services, along with voice and SMS. There is no exemption for the data services, only exceptional limits in case of unlimited or very competitive offers.
