Three of the UK’s biggest Network Carriers, Vodafone, O2 & Orange have failed at the European Court of Justice in their bid to appeal against the cap placed on the amount they can charge for roaming when in Europe.

The decision by the ECJ has received mixed reactions from various operators with a spokesman from Orange saying: “ We have not yet been formally notified of this decision but are disappointed with the opinion expressed today by the European Court of Justice and feel that 
this does not reflect the best interests of the European market. We will of course continue to comply with European regulations in force.’

In it’s judgement the ECJ said that they felt that the decision to enforce a Europe wide limit was proportionate even if the action has “negative consequences for certain operators”.

The price of roaming charges in Europe will fall steadily over the next three years after the EU decided that consumers needed protecting from unfair pricing put in place by some networks.

Unlike it’s competitors 3UK has consistently been in favour of the price cap and said yesterday: ‘We are delighted that the European Court of Justice has ruled that the price cap on EU roaming charges should stay in place. The decision to put the cap in place came after 3 and a range of consumer groups lobbied the European Commission to bring an end to excessive roaming pricing in Europe and allow true competition.”

So for the time being it seems that consumers will be able to use their phones in Europe without the fear of high charges being placed on to their bill.