Russia has reportedly announced plans to cancel international roaming with three more countries by 2025, expanding its network of free roaming destinations. According to recent reports, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia will soon join the growing list of countries that will no longer charge travelers for using their mobile phones while abroad. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the travel industry, making it easier and more affordable for tourists to stay connected while enjoying their trip to Russia. This move is in line with Russia’s commitment to promoting tourism and fostering stronger ties with its neighboring countries.
Russia has announced plans to cancel international roaming with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia by 2025, according to a report by Kommersant. The announcement came as part of an annex to a request by the Eurasian Economic Commission, which was sent to mobile operators and the Russian Ministry of Economy on March 16. The Eurasian Economic Commission has requested that operators share data on the number of their subscribers, volume, and cost of cellular services provided to citizens of the EAEU countries by April 14, as well as information on the income of the operators.
The commission has also released a roadmap for the abolition of roaming in the EAEU, stating that operators must take measures to curb cases of fraud on their networks. Telecom companies should develop fair tariffs for communication services in the EAEU, and this work must be completed by the end of 2024. Mobile operators must also introduce new tariffs for communications in the EAEU by the first quarter of 2025.
While Russia canceled roaming with Belarus in 2021, experts explain that the cancellation was nominal, as operators began to impose limits on the number of minutes used per day. However, the move to cancel roaming with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia would significantly reduce costs for Russian consumers who travel to these countries frequently.
Moreover, in October, Kommersant reported that Russian operators have reduced prices for roaming services in countries that have become popular for the relocation of Russian citizens after the start of partial mobilization in September 2022, including Turkey, Kazakhstan, Armenia, among other countries.
The move to cancel international roaming with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Armenia is expected to lead to a significant reduction in telecommunications costs for Russian consumers traveling to these countries. Roaming charges have been a source of frustration for many mobile users, and the move to cancel roaming charges would be a welcome change for individuals traveling abroad.
The Eurasian Economic Union was formed in 2015 to promote trade and economic integration between its member states – Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The abolition of roaming charges is one of the many initiatives proposed to promote economic integration between the EAEU member states.
The move to cancel international roaming charges is expected to have a positive impact on the telecommunications industry in the region. It will encourage telecom companies to develop new strategies and products that cater to the needs of customers in the region, leading to an increase in competition and innovation.
In conclusion, the plans to cancel international roaming with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Armenia by 2025 is a significant step forward for the Eurasian Economic Union. The move will greatly benefit Russian consumers traveling to these countries, who will no longer have to worry about paying exorbitant roaming charges. It is also expected to promote economic integration and encourage innovation in the telecommunications industry in the region.
