The issue of abolishing roaming charges has been on-going within the European Union for many years now. The final hurdle was crossed yesterday evening after members of the European Parliament voted on the issue of 'wholesale price caps'. This means residents of member states will not have to face roaming charges from June 15.

From June 15th, EU citizens will be able to use their phone as they would at home, whilst travelling within the EU. This includes calls, texts and data. The operators will, however, still have to pay a charge.

EU negotiators have agreed on the following wholesale caps:

3.2 cents per minute of voice call, as of 15 June 2017

1 cent per SMS, as of 15 June 2017

A step by step reduction over 5 years for data caps decreasing from €7.7 per GB (as of 15 June 2017) to €6 per GB (as of 1 January 2018), €4.5 per GB (as of 1 January 2019), €3.5 per GB (as of 1 January 2020), €3 per GB (as of 1 January 2021) and €2.5 per GB (as of 1 January 2022)

Speaking after the vote, EU digital affairs commissioner Andrus Ansip said it would have an "immediate positive impact on the life of millions of Europeans".

Right now

Rates were brought right down in April of last year for those travelling within Europe. If you travel within Europe right now or at any stage between now and June 15th, here is what you will pay: