Roaming charge cut approved by EU

EU votes to slash texting and surfing charges for roaming travellers

EU approves vote clamping down on excessive charges from mobile operators

The EU has voted through a bill to reduce SMS and data roaming charges which will come into force on 1 July this year.

UK travellers to mainland Europe will be able to send texts back home for just €0.11 (10p), compared with the current EU-wide average of €0.29.

"This is a good example of how the EU can bring real benefits to British people," said Caroline Flint, UK minister for Europe.

Mobile phone operators have also been ordered to provide clearer details on charges for mobile data downloaded when abroad.

Customers must now be sent a reminder when their bill has reached €50, reducing the chances of travellers returning home to face crippling phone bills.