The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) will present a draft on the use of tariffs for cellular services in international roaming in the territories of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) by the end of this year. EAEU roaming

Director of the EEC Antimonopoly Regulation Department, Sergei Maksimov, told Izvestia newspaper.

“Currently, the commission, together with the working group on communications, is implementing the final measures of the plan, namely: developing rules for the use of fair tariffs for cellular services in international roaming in the territories of the EAEU member states, which will determine the billing increment, the volume of communications services provided and other aspects of interaction between the communications operators of the member states. By the end of this year, the draft rules must be submitted for approval to the commission board”

the statement says.

At present, government agencies and communications operators of the EAEU countries are discussing the introduction of «fair tariffs» for communications services roaming in the territory of the union.

Background on the EAEU roaming

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is a regional economic integration organization comprising five member states: Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Armenia, and Kyrgyzstan. Established in 2015, the EAEU aims to create a single market and foster economic cooperation among its members by promoting the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor. The union seeks to harmonize policies in key areas such as trade, customs, competition, and energy, thereby enhancing economic stability and development within the region.

Significance of the Draft Rules

The introduction of “fair tariffs” for cellular services in international roaming across EAEU member states is a critical step toward reducing the financial burden on consumers and ensuring more equitable access to communication services. Currently, roaming charges within the EAEU can be prohibitively high, leading to customer dissatisfaction and complaints. The proposed draft rules aim to address these issues by establishing standardized tariffs and transparent billing practices, making it easier for consumers to understand and manage their costs when traveling within the union. Additionally, previous efforts to regulate roaming charges have faced challenges, underscoring the need for a cohesive and comprehensive approach.

Potential Benefits of EAEU roaming

Implementing fair tariffs for cellular services in international roaming within the EAEU offers several advantages. For consumers, the most immediate benefit is reduced costs, making it more affordable to stay connected while traveling across member states. This move will also increase transparency in pricing, allowing consumers to know what they are paying for and avoid unexpected charges. Moreover, more accessible communication services could encourage greater mobility, travel, and cross-border business activities within the EAEU, fostering closer economic ties and cooperation among member countries. Ultimately, these changes could contribute to a more integrated and dynamic economic region.