Roaming data charges to be more transparent ...

... but not necessarily cheaper!

Never ones to do things through self regulation, the mobile network operators in Europe are likely to be forced to provide transparency in charges for services such as MMS and internet access. The proposed legislation is expected to come into force in 2009.

Users can expect to be informed of the cost to use data, and even an ongoing total. This is a small step in the right direction, however, there are no moves to reduce the excessive roaming charges. Hopefully once users see how much it is costing them, the operators may decide to reduce the charges to a more reasonable level without futher legislation. But then pigs might fly.