The European Commission (EC) said it had agreed a new proposal to scrap charges and daily limits on mobile roaming in Europe, following criticism of an initial idea to cap free usage across borders.

In a statement, the EC said it discussed a new fair use principal that “agreed that there should be no limits in terms of timing or volume imposed on consumers when using their mobile device abroad in the EU”.

The proposal represents a U-turn by Brussels, which had initially proposed a fair use policy that only allowed consumers to roam for up to 90 days per year without charges, and for a maximum of 30 consecutive days.

It withdrew the idea earlier this month after reportedly drawing opposition from a number of consumer groups.

Under the EC’s plan, operators across the continent will have to end roaming charges as of 15 June 2017, but the commission said it will ensure operators have tools to safeguard against “abuse of their rules”.

Andrus Ansip, VP for the digital single market, said European parliament and council “had agreed on our proposal to end roaming charges for travellers in the EU”.

“Together, we need to ensure low prices for all users across Europe, to make full use of new mobile services. European consumers would not accept it otherwise.”

The final proposal is expected to be adopted by 15 December 2016, following feedback from member states and all interested parties.