BRUSSELS: Mobile phone users in the European Union will be able to call, text, and surf the Internet while abroad within the bloc at no additional cost until at least 2032.

New rules for the suspension of the roaming charge will replace current regulations and enter into force from July 1 for another 10 years, the European Commission said on June 30.

Consumers are to have access to the same quality of service abroad whenever possible and better access to emergency communication, according to a press release.

The commission also wants clearer information on fees that might still apply, for example when calling a number abroad while present in the mobile phone user's home country.

Roaming charges in the 27 EU countries as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway were first suspended in June 2017.

 - dpa