On the occasion of the inaugural meeting of the UK-EEA EFTA Joint Committee, the UK has approved a resolution capping data use fees as well as call and text rates in Norway and Iceland. The cap, a first for an FTA, lowers prices for tourists and business visitors to Norway and Iceland.

Conor Burns MP, International Trade Minister noted: “This news builds on the landmark trade agreement between the UK and Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, and is the first of its kind world-wide showing how the innovative trade deals we negotiate are bringing real benefits to British travellers. I look forward to working with businesses across the UK to take advantage of deals that banish barriers, boost jobs and save money.”

The trade agreement that the UK signed with Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein last year aims to strengthen vital industries including professional, financial, and digital business services, lower tariffs on high-quality British exports, and promote employment across the country.

The new FTA establishes a framework to regulate the prices that operators charge one another, enabling UK mobile providers to provide their consumers with surcharge-free mobile roaming in Norway and Iceland.

After making this choice, the UK will put secondary law into effect, which will happen early the next year. To make sure that the savings obtained from this cap are passed on to customers, the government plans to cooperate with mobile operators.

Due to their capability, Liechtenstein is not a party to the mobile roaming regulations. There is, however, a possibility that this will be made available to them in the future.