It's official: European Union telecom leaders officially endorsed a plan introduced by EU Telecommunications Commissioner Viviane Reding to cap mobile data retail prices, FierceMobileContent reports.

In July 2009, pending the expected approval of European Parliament, all 27 EU member nations will adopt a limit of 11 euro cents (14 cents U.S.) on retail charges for cross-border texting, which is a substantial cut on the current European average of 29 euro cents (36 cents U.S.), the report said, in a move that is obviously good for wireless subscribers in the region.

In addition, the plan includes a cap of one euro per megabyte ($1.26 U.S.) for data roaming, with a switchable shutoff valve if the charges exceed 50 euros ($63.10). As expected, European mobile operators "fought tooth and nail against Reding's proposal," according to the article.

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