Making calls across the EU now costs 19 cents per minute instead of 24 cents. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

Surfing the internet on mobile phones when travelling within the European Union was made 50 per cent cheaper last week under EU-mandated cuts, in time for the summer holidays.

Fees for calls and text messages will also be reduced although not by as much, the EU said.

The EU executive has been chipping away at so-called roaming fees since 2007 and charges for browsing the internet are now more than 80 per cent lower.

“This huge drop in data roaming prices will make a big difference to all of us this summer,” said Neelie Kroes, the EU telecoms commissioner.

Kroes is hoping that all roaming charges, including on calls and text messages, can be eliminated across the 28-country European Union by the end of the year, but first needs all EU governments to agree to the European Commission’s proposals for an overhaul of the telecoms market.

While there is broad agreement among member states on consumer-friendly measures such as the elimination of roaming fees, other aspects, including the sale of mobile licences, are still opposed by some governments.

The European Commission is keen on being seen to be helping the EU’s 500 million consumers, especially at a time when anti-EU sentiment is on the rise in many countries.

The timing of the roaming cuts, just ahead of the summer holiday season, is part of its efforts to appear more consumer friendly.

The cost of using the internet in another EU country is now a maximum of 20 cents per megabyte, down from 45 cents before Tuesday.

Making calls across the bloc costs 19 cents per minute instead of 24 cents, while the cost of receiving calls has become five cents per minute rather than seven cents.

Travellers will pay six cents to send text messages, down from eight cents.

Consumers will also be able to choose a local mobile provider for data services when travelling in the EU, allowing them to compare offers.