The EU's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy has voted overwhelmingly in support of the proposed cap on EU-wide roaming charges, fixing the price at €0.40 for outgoing, and €0.15 for incoming calls.

While the EU generally tries to avoid interfering with prices, especially in competitive markets, the feeling was that roaming bills were so high that some form of legislation was necessary.

Of course; network operators are going to have to make up the income somewhere, so price rises in domestic and beyond-EU roaming can be expected, though they'll be carefully presented to avoid attention.

The strength of support for the proposal; 45 voted in favour, 3 against and there was 1 abstention, means that legislation could be in place for this summer, depending on legal challenges or other excuses the network operators can come up with to delay implementation.

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