Technology 25 May 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
EAC Leaders Convene in Dar es Salaam to Reduce Cross-Border Mobile and Data Costs
Telecom experts, policymakers, and regulatory heads are meeting in Dar es Salaam this week to negotiate a harmonized Regional Mobile Roaming Framework. The initiative aims to significantly lower cross-border mobile and data expenses for East African citizens. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/eac-launches-crucial-talks-in-dar-es-salaam-to-slash-cross-border-mobile-data-costs-5472862
Delegates from East African Community (EAC) member states have convened in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, for critical deliberations aimed at reducing high cross-border mobile and data costs. The week-long meeting, running from May 25 to 29, 2026, is focused on establishing a harmonized Regional Mobile Roaming Framework.
This initiative is a significant step towards realizing the EAC’s vision of a Single Digital Market, which has been hampered by the current prohibitive costs of international communication within the region. Inconsistent regulatory practices, high interconnection and transit fees, varied taxation, fraud risks, and a lack of consumer awareness are identified as key barriers to more affordable services.
While previous efforts like the One Network Area (ONA) in 2014 successfully reduced voice call tariffs, its impact has been uneven. The current framework is considered outdated, failing to address the growing demand for affordable mobile data, which is crucial for e-commerce, digital payments, and logistics.
“Affordable and seamless communication across borders is essential for deepening regional integration, supporting trade, and enabling East Africans to fully participate in the digital economy,” stated Andrea Ariik Malueth, the EAC Deputy Secretary General for Infrastructure.
The discussions are informed by a comprehensive regional study funded by the World Bank. The proposed framework includes measures such as cost-based tariffs, enhanced consumer protection, and harmonized regulatory enforcement. It also aims to ensure consistent quality of service, regardless of cross-border movements.
The finalized policy will be presented for adoption, with the ultimate goal of fostering a more integrated and digitally connected East Africa, where communication costs do not impede economic progress. This effort is supported by regional bodies including IGAD, Smart Africa Alliance, and EACO.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)