MEPs have voted for the removal of coaming charges in the European Union from December 15, 2015.

The end of roaming charges would mean that making a call or sending an email from a mobile phone in another EU country would cost the same as doing so at home.

The rules also seek to reinforce the principle of net neutrality to ensure that internet providers cannot block or slow down internet services at will.

MEP Roberta Metsola,  welcomed the overwhelming ‘yes’ vote by MEPs.

"This will mean that very soon people will be able to use their mobile phones to make calls, send emails or upload photos to a social network without having to pay extra, exorbitant roaming rates simply because they are in a different EU Member State. This is a huge step towards finally seeing a proper functioning single market for telecommunications become a reality," said Dr Metsola

She pointed out that ever since she was elected to the European Parliament some 11 months ago, she had pushed this forward as a tangible result of European cooperation and removal of barriers to trade and freedom of movement.

"We have worked hard to achieve this result and this is great news for consumers and businesses alike," concluded Dr Metsola.