Consumers win the day as MEPs vote to abolish roaming charges by 2017 and to strengthen rights against data traffic discrimination on the net.

Out with roaming charges, in with fair internet

A big moment in an EU often dismissed  as out of touch with citizens’ needs.

MEPs pass the abolition  of roaming surcharges by 2017

Across Europe you can use your phone  as if you were at home.

But those who stay at home  will not pick up an extra bill.

There are exceptions,  excessive roaming for example.

But another issue for MEPs  was people’s equal access to the net

alongside big commercial  or government users.

For democracy, for the future, a neutral  internet is the most important infrastructure.

Data traffic must be guaranteed as equal

without discrimination, restrictions  or interferences.

We've reconciled the interests of citizens  and the need for growth in the markets.

Pilar del Castillo headed  the negotiating team.

It is a kind of abolishment of a sort of tax  on free movement of people in Europe.

It implies eliminating a barrier  for so many companies in the EU space.

Next stage, smaller phone bills  after April 2016.

Even smaller ones from June 2017,  when the legislation fully kicks in.