Homeowners and businesses along the county Armagh border have been dealt a massive blow with news that roaming charges are unlikely to be removed by the end of 2015.
Fees for making calls, sending texts and using mobile data could now remain until at least 2018 after EU member states voted in favour of a delay.
And SDLP’s Justin McNulty has described the delay as unacceptable and a major concern for people in border communities.
“Roaming charges are extortionate, they are an unavoidable everyday occurrence for people living and working in border communities,” he said.
“Local people were looking forward to seeing them disappear following previous EU Rulings and reports. This week’s announcement that their abolishment is to be delayed even further is a blow for those of us living along the border.
“We are not just talking pennies here, it can be tens if not hundreds of pounds a month to individual or business customers. You can be in one part of the family home and be on a UK network but if you move into another room you can be on an Ireland network and these few steps within the home can cost you dearly.
“It’s all well and good for government ministers and EU Commissioners seeing these problems on paper, however it’s us the ordinary citizen who are paying these hefty charges. There should be no further delay, the charges are extortionate and should be abolished immediately.”
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