MOSCOW, 22 October (BelTA) – The Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) suggests phased reduction of roaming charges in the Eurasian Economic Union starting from 1 July 2021 and completing the process in 2025, Iya Malkina, Aide to the Chairman of the Board of the Eurasian Economic Commission, told a press briefing on 21 October, BelTA has learned.
“The council of the commission gave an instruction to prepare a draft plan to create conditions for introducing fair charges in international roaming in the territory of the union, taking into account the wishes of all parties. A special working group was set up at the EEC, international practices in reducing roaming charges and introduction of fair charges in international roaming in the EAEU were analyzed,” Iya Malkina said. According to her, on 27 October this issue will be discussed by the EEC Board, and then the EEC Council and the Eurasian Intergovernmental Council.
“In short, the commission proposes a smooth transition to the same roaming charges as are used domestically by the beginning of 2025, however if the EEU member states want, this transition can be completed earlier. The commission proposes the following schedule of the phased reduction of charges: from 1 July 2021 - no more than 90% as against the charges in the home region; from 1 January 2022 - no more than 70%; from 1 January 2023 - no more than 40%; from 1 January 2024 - no more than 20%; from 1 January 2025 – 0%,” she informed.
Iya Malkina noted that the main concern of mobile network operators is that their revenue may fall. “At the same time, we would like to emphasize that the reduction of roaming charges will be gradual,” she stressed. “Secondly, we expect that it will stimulate consumption, which will make up for losses,” she added.
