The GSM Association, which represents more than 690 mobile operators worldwide, has branded the European Commission's plans to lower roaming rates within the EU as unnecessary. Moves by mobile operators to fight the directive could set the process back 18 months, the European Commission has acknowledged.

The European Commission has tabled an ambitious plan to reduce the cost of using mobile phones overseas by as much as 70pc. Included in the plans is a proposal for a limit of 16.5 cents per minute, compared with the present situation whereby overseas calls can add up to €1.50 per minute. The proposed directive will come into being if it gets backing from the European Parliament and EU Council of Ministers.