Kenyans could be on the verge of enjoying making cheaper phone calls while in neighbouring East African Community (EAC) countries, should a proposal currently being considered sail through.
The East African Community (EAC) Technical Committee on Communications settled on capping data roaming charges at 65 cents per megabyte which if approved will mean cheaper rates for Kenyans making phone calls back to Kenya while in neighbouring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania.
Roaming refers to the ability of a mobile phone user to use their device for calls, texts, and internet access when they are outside their home network's coverage area. This typically happens when you travel to a different country and your mobile service provider allows you to connect to a local network in the destination country.
The resolution by the EAC technical committee falls in line with the The East African Community (EAC) One Network Area (ONA) Initiative.
ONA is aimed at reducing mobile roaming charges within the EAC. The concept was ideated to facilitate easier and more affordable communication across the region. The plan's proponents argue its implementation will promote economic integration and cooperation among EAC countries.
The recent meeting led by the technical committee sought to address the high data roaming costs and establish a framework for actualizing the vision anticipated by ONA.
If the proposal is implemented successfully, it could set a precedent for similar initiatives in other regions, potentially reshaping the telecommunications landscape in Africa.
The proposal could also likely stimulate cross border communications within the East African member states which include; Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi among other member states.
Currently, data roaming services by local operators vary significantly with users paying as high as between Ksh 100 to Ksh 300 depending on the mobile network provider and their locations within the East Africa region.
The communications industry within Kenya and the rest of the East African region is expected to usher in technological changes and possible reduced communication costs as local markets open up for alternative communication means.
This comes after the admission of Burundi to The East African Community (EAC) One Network Area (ONA) in August 2024.
“These unique tariffs, competitive on a regional scale, will significantly reduce the costs of cross-border communications within the EAC,” the Burundi telecommunications regulator stated.
