Russia plans to phase out international cellular roaming with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia by 2025, a move reported by Vedomosti. The request originated from the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) and was circulated to the leading mobile operators across the allied states, alongside the Russian Ministry of Economic Development. This step signals a broader effort within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) to modernize cross-border telecommunications and align consumer prices with regional market realities. (Source: Vedomosti)
The accompanying document from the EEC requests detailed data on roaming tariffs and the number of subscribers, as well as the volume and cost of mobile services offered to EAEU member subscribers, covering the period from January 1, 2020 through December 31, 2022. Operators are asked to provide actionable insights into pricing structures, traffic flows, and revenue implications to assess the impact on households and businesses within the union. The goal is to equip policymakers with a clear view of how international roaming is priced, who benefits, and where potential gaps in coverage or affordability may exist. (Source: EEC communications report)
In parallel, the EEC urges telecom providers to implement safeguards against fraud on their networks and to strengthen consumer protection during any transition away from roaming arrangements. The emphasis is on enhancing network security, monitoring irregular usage patterns, and ensuring that cost changes do not lead to unintended charges for subscribers who travel frequently or use data-intensive services while abroad. These measures are intended to preserve trust in cross-border services during the reform process. (Source: EEC guidance)
According to the published plan, the EAEU-wide regulator envisions the creation of standardized rules for fair tariffs across member states by 2025. This includes efforts to lower interconnection charges, streamline tariff structures for international calls and data services, and introduce updated pricing for cellular services available to EAEU subscribers. The initiative is framed as part of a broader push to create a more transparent and competitive regional telecom market, benefiting consumers with clearer terms and potentially lower overall costs for cross-border communications. (Source: EEC policy outline)
Earlier reporting indicated that Russia’s major telecom operators, including Beeline, Megafon, and Tele2, were involved in discussions during November regarding the potential rollout of roaming and service arrangements within newly incorporated territories. This included considerations tied to the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics, as well as the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions that became part of Russia under the latest regional realignments. The developments underscore the ongoing coordination between national operators and regional regulators as the market adjusts to evolving geopolitical and economic boundaries, with a focus on maintaining service continuity while aligning with the EAEU framework. (Source: industry briefings)