East African countries advance efforts to reduce telecommunications roaming expenses across the region through enhanced policy frameworks. The Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project organized government consultations during August 2025 with regulators and mobile operators. These discussions focused on strengthening the EAC One Network Area framework that previously lowered roaming charges but requires further improvements.
Officials from Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan expressed commitment to regional connectivity expansion. The consultations identified affordability as the primary barrier while addressing fraudulent practices like SIM boxing and establishing fair usage policies. Participants emphasized the need for standardized interconnect regulations and enhanced consumer education campaigns.
The revised framework will incorporate safeguards against illegal activities and adapt to emerging technologies such as e-SIMs and IoT roaming services. Citizens will benefit from reduced costs and improved cross-border connectivity while mobile operators gain fairer competition rules and predictable business conditions.
Officials from Kenya, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and South Sudan expressed commitment to regional connectivity expansion. The consultations identified affordability as the primary barrier while addressing fraudulent practices like SIM boxing and establishing fair usage policies. Participants emphasized the need for standardized interconnect regulations and enhanced consumer education campaigns.
The revised framework will incorporate safeguards against illegal activities and adapt to emerging technologies such as e-SIMs and IoT roaming services. Citizens will benefit from reduced costs and improved cross-border connectivity while mobile operators gain fairer competition rules and predictable business conditions.
