Europe abolishes cellphone roaming charges

The European Commission on Thursday said EU residents will be able to use their cellphones anywhere in the bloc for the same fees charged in their home countries -- including any data charges.

"Roam like at home" legislation had been in the works for over 10 years, was finally approved by European lawmakers and came into force on June 15.

The EU rules are intended for people who occasionally travel outside their home state, ending additional roaming charges, the commission added.

Calls to cellphones and landlines, SMS messages and data services abroad, will be covered by the new legislation.

The new arrangements will also cover the European Economic Area countries of Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.