Consumers are deterred from using their mobile phones abroad because of the rip-off roaming charges levied by mobile operators.

This was the conclusion of the European Commission’s Eurobarometer study , which has found that mobile phone users are still being charged a scandalous €4 to €6 for a four-minute call abroad. In some cases, the cost is as high €12.

The commission has repeatedly called on Europe's telecom operators to cut such costs. Yet despite charges being lowered and special roaming packages now being offered by some operators, often the tariffs are still not attractive to consumers.

Earlier this year the EC proposed legislation to force operators to slash roaming fees, arguing that operators have failed to bring them down through self-regulation.

The study shows this is a move that is strongly supported by consumers.
Almost 25,000 people from across the EU’s 25 member states took part in the survey and seven out of ten of those who took part in the Eurobarometer study supported the call for the EU to intervene and get roaming charges lowered.

A similar percentage also wants EU action to lower roaming charges for text messages, rising to almost eight in ten 15 to 24-year-olds.

Information Society and Media Commissioner Viviane Reding said the charges were a real barrier with many afraid of using their phones abroad for fear of being penalised by excessive roaming charges.

"Excessively high prices restrict mobile usage while abroad. This hurts consumers, it hurts European industry, and it hurts Europe," she said.