Jill Evans MEP, has welcomed the decision by the European Court of Justice which confirming the legality of the EU law to cap prices for mobile phone roaming. The law means mobile phone calls and texts are 70% cheaper for people using their phones abroad.

The case had been referred to the Luxembourg court by the High Court in London following a 2007 action brought by mobile phone companies.

Ms Evans supported the law because operators were exploiting consumers and setting very high charges.

Welcoming the decision Ms Evans said:

"This is a victory for consumers in Wales and a very good decision by the European Court of Justice. Welsh holidaymakers and travellers can now be sure that their mobile phone will remain cheaper abroad.

"Some mobile phone companies were charging outrageously high prices for mobile phone use overseas. When they failed to introduce fairer pricing voluntarily, laws had to follow.

”As a result the cost of using mobile phones abroad fell by up to 70% on average compared with 2005 prices. The cost of sending a text fell by 60%. From next month, the cost of using a mobile in another EU country will be capped at around 0.32p a minute for outgoing calls, and about 0.12p for received calls.

”Mobile phone users need to know that using their phone in another EU country won't mean a huge bill waiting for them when they get home to Wales. The European Commission is carrying out a review of mobile phone roaming charges which I hope will lead to even further improvements."

Diwedd/Ends.