Challenges when starting an ECI

www.fairroaming.org

The issue

Roaming surcharges apply when using your mobile phone abroad

2007: first EU regulation on roaming adopted

Current price caps (July 2011):

How does that compare to the prices you pay when at home?

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

The issue

Mobile operators show no willingness to lower prices themselves

Current regulation to end 2012

Lower prices are possible!

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

How it started

Europe United Convention, Salzburg 2010

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

How it started

Is there interest?Creation of a Facebook group „We

say NO to Roaming Charges in the EU!” (http://on.fb.me/90tQx9)

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

How it started

Further tools: Twitter, Newsletters, „Tell us your experiences“, Discussions

Comm. Roaming Consultation Feb. 2011

Launch of network www.fairroaming.org

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

Where we stand (June 2011) Network of 6 organisations

representing/reaching ~100.000 people Facebook, Twitter, Newsletters etc:

several thousand contacts Petition with ~800 signatures Constant communication with key

players www.fairroaming.org New proposals by Commission next

week…

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

Challenges

If no one knows you: establishing contact to other stakeholders, policy circles; missing support

Finances: ~0,70€/signature, donations not as effective as expected

Only voluntary work, no experts

Social networks: trust&reliability?

What can you achieve in one year?

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

Hints, Tips, Tricks

Plan in advance, work step-by-step

Build a core campaigning team

Evaluate chances for success

Stay on the issue

Build a network with key players

Use advertisements!

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

Conclusions

We need a culture of support for ECIs

Practical support for ECIs: „one-stop shop“, fund for kickstarting campaigns, access to experts and professional tools

Long way to go to make ECIs for citizens

The issue > How it started > Where we stand > Challenges > Hints > Conclusions

www.fairroaming.orgwww.europeunited.eu