The European Union (EU) has given preliminary approval to new Roaming Regulation that aims to cap the voice and data roaming charges levied by mobile phone operators (e.g. when using Mobile Broadband outside of the UK). The proposals could be approved by July 2009 and would also impose a welcome €50 (£46) upper limit on data roaming charges, requiring the operator to warn customers if they hit it.

Specific data (Internet) transfer pricing will be limited to no more than €1.00 (£0.92p) per MegaByte (MB) and reduced to just €0.50 (£0.45p) by 2011. Operators will also be required to charge by the second but can still levy an automatic 30-second minimum charge if so desired.

It's hoped the new measures will put a stop to the BILL SHOCK culture we've been seeing with those that chose to keep using their Mobile Broadband connections while outside of the UK. Who can forget the £27k and £22k Vodafone bills (here)! It's interesting to note that these proposals have been brought forward from their original July 2010 timetable.