A new proposal by the European Council calls for a review of the wholesale roaming market that should be completed by mid-2018 — in contrast to the European Commission’s proposal to finish with the charges by the end of this year.

The Latvian presidency proposes a review to take place by 30 June, 2018.

The European Commission’s more aggressive stance to ending roaming charges is part of a package of telecoms market reforms backed by the European Parliament in April last year.

According to the council proposal, operators would offer subscribers a basic roaming allowance beyond which a surcharge would apply. The allowance is not specified in the proposal.

The proposal will now be followed by what is termed an article-by-article discussion with member states on 3 February.

Once the European Council has established its own position, then it will start negotiations with the European Parliament over a joint position. The aim will be to find common ground on a issues such as roaming and net neutrality so a final, joint proposal is possible.