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EU passes net neutrality laws that leave 'fast lane' loopholes
Legislation designed to protect net neutrality and abolish mobile phone roaming fees has been passed today by the European Parliament. These new rules -- hotly debated for two years by EU representatives -- are now finalised and will soon cover the entire region, including the UK. While the end of expensive holiday phone bills won't take place until 2017, the updated internet protections should come into effect fairly quickly. Such a moment ought to be cause for celebration, however many in the technology industry are now concerned about loopholes that could enable internet "fast lanes." Today's vote included amendments that would've sealed up those weaknesses -- but it seems the Parliament was happy enough with the wording and pushed ahead regardless.
Europe to scrap roaming charges, protect net neutrality
It's been a long time coming, but we finally know when roaming charges will be scrapped in Europe: June 15th, 2017. The European Commission had been pushing for an earlier implementation, but ultimately relented in order to win support from the European Parliament and Council. Under the new rules, Europeans will pay the same prices as they do at home, regardless of where they travel in the EU. However, such a move could be open to abuse -- after all, anyone could buy a cheaper SIM from a neighboring country and use it at home -- so there will be a fair use limit when roaming, after which networks can charge you a basic fee. While we wait for 2017 to roll around, Europe is prepping a stop-gap measure for next year. From April 2016, operators will be limited to the following maximum roaming charges: €0.20 per MB, €0.06 per SMS and €0.05 per minute -- the same rates that former EU Commission VP Neelie Kroes wanted to enforce last year.
