New EU rules on maximum charges for mobile data roaming are now in force just in time to give a handy boost to summer holidaymakers who like to use their mobile phones and tablets abroad.

MEP Malcolm Harbour welcomed the move, which he said should mean fewer tourists getting a nasty shock from their post-holiday phone bills.

From 1 July 2013, the European Union’s Roaming Regulation means the price caps for data downloads are down by 36 per cent, making it much cheaper to use maps, watch videos, check emails and update social networks while travelling across Europe.

Data roaming will now be up to 91% cheaper this summer compared with 2007. During this period the volume of the data roaming market has grown by a massive 630%. These two trends mean that both consumers and mobile operators have significant new opportunities thanks to the European Commission and MEPs who have backed the reforms.

Mr Harbour said:

“This EU initiative will be of real practical assistance to consumers whether as holiday makers or businesses who want to seek new markets on the continent. It also shows the importance of being in the European Single Market.

“Too often people come home to an unwelcome ‘bill shock’ from their monthly mobile device invoice. This cap on the amount mobile operators can charge for roaming data should stop this kind of thing spoiling the end of their holidays.”