RTR ordinance: charges for mobile data services to be limited to EUR 60 as of 1 May 2012

A round table meeting was held today at the Austrian Regulatory Authority for Broadcasting and Telecommunications (RTR) to discuss the Cost Limitation Ordinance (KostBeV) for mobile data services. The meeting, chaired by RTR, was also attended by representatives of the Austrian Chamber of Labour, the Federal Economic Chamber, the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection (BMASK) and of the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (BMVIT). Today’s meeting provided the participants with a further opportunity to discuss with RTR, as issuer of the ordinance, the controversial opinions previously presented during consultation procedures on the ordinance proposal.

RTR presents the result as follows: as of 1 May 2012 charges for mobile data services will be limited to EUR 60.

 “In recent months we have identified a greatly increased need for protection in the area of mobile data services. In the conciliation procedures submitted to us, the average amount in dispute was EUR 650. The new ordinance will put an end to this as of the beginning of May by stipulating a EUR 60 limit, in this way ensuring that consumers are protected against the cost trap presented by excessive phone bills arising from downloading,” Georg Serentschy, Managing Director of RTR’s Telecommunications and Postal Services Division, announced, describing the circumstances leading to the ordinance.

The RTR Cost Limitation Ordinance, which also applies to existing contracts, will enter into force as of 1 May 2012.