3 taps into empty net vs rivals: gloating begins against O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Orange

Mobile network operator 3 Mobile Broadband has wasted no time in putting the boot in to its rivals over the European Court of Justice's decision to rule against their appeal on roaming charges.

While O2, Orange, T-Mobile and Vodafone were busy defending excessive EU roaming rates, 3 joined consumer groups in lobbying the European Parliament to get roaming rates reduced. 

The battle has continued to rage, but it seems their appeal against the price cuts have fallen on deaf ears. In fact, the EU has decided to cut rates further. Not wishing to look a gift horse in the mouth, a clearly smug 3 has responded immediately.

A 3 spokesperson said: “We are delighted that the European Court of Justice has ruled that the price cap on EU roaming charges should stay in place.

“The decision to put the cap in place came after Three and a range of consumer groups lobbied the European Commission to bring an end to excessive roaming pricing in Europe and allow true competition.

“The court’s ruling not only reinforces the Commission’s original decision, but ensures consumers can continue to enjoy cheaper calls when abroad – something that has already saved people many millions of pounds.”

This should be great news for consumers, and we at Broadband Genie applaud both 3 and the European Court of Justice for helping reduce roaming costs. However, the other four mobile broadband networks wont give up this profit without a fight - it remains to be seen how they will try to claw back these losses in other areas of their businesses.

Check out our guide to roaming rates.