Price caps on international calls and SMS within the EU
Date of issue 2019.05.15
From today, price caps apply to calls and SMS within the EU. German customers must not pay more than 19 cents (plus VAT) per minute for calls and 6 cents (plus VAT) per SMS. The rules apply to usage-based tariffs in mobile and fixed networks.
Tariffs with inclusive allowances
It is important to note that the price caps do not apply if tariffs include a certain allowance, for instance 60 minutes for 5 euros. The price caps are only applicable once the allowance is exceeded (ie in the above example from the 61st minute onwards) and if consumption-based charges apply.
Alternative tariffs
In addition to the regulated tariffs, providers may continue to offer tariffs with prices higher than the cap levels, for instance tariffs that also include calls and SMS to non-EU countries (eg Switzerland).
Consumers on such alternative tariffs must from 15 May 2019 confirm that they want to keep their current tariff, otherwise they will be switched automatically to the regulated tariff after a two-month transitional period on 15 July 2019.
Exceptions on application
Providers can generally apply for permission to charge prices higher than the caps. Providers whose business model could be undermined by the price caps can apply to the Bundesnetzagentur for permission to charge higher prices.
The Bundesnetzagentur may, after examination of the request, grant an exception for an initial period of one year for prices above the regulated price caps that are suitable to ensure the sustainability of the provider's domestic business model. This may result in higher prices for the consumers concerned. To date, no providers have put in an application to the Bundesnetzagentur.