International roaming debate
The borders in Ireland zigzag and often double back on themselves, so masts in the Republic can pick up signals from the North and vice versa.
In February 2006, O2 Ireland became the first operator to abolish roaming charges between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland – introducing 'All-Island' pricing. Additionally, we abolished international roaming for business customers between Ireland and the UK.
European roaming
Mobile roaming charges are under the spotlight in Europe.
The European Union Commissioner for Media and Information Society presented plans in March 2005 with the aim of bringing down prices for international roaming within the European Union. The plans are intended to make operators apply a similar price structure in foreign EU countries as on domestic networks. Legislative proposals are expected in July 2006.
Along with the other members of the worldwide GSM Association, we oppose this intervention. The European Commission argues that roaming prices are not falling, yet analysis by the GSM Association - based on data from a sample of key operators with customers in 12 European countries - indicates that roaming tariffs fell by an average of eight per cent across Europe last year.
Future roaming
The GSM Association believes that the cost of roaming charges will continue to fall, following moves by several European wireless operators to introduce new packages that give their customers better value.
We believe that competition has forced roaming prices to fall rapidly throughout 2006, and we continue to play a key part in driving price reductions. In May 2006, O2 teamed up with Telefónica's mobile business, Telefónica Móviles, to launch a major new roaming initiative – My Europe - which provides a comprehensive set of low-cost roaming price plans.
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