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WHOLESALE NEWS

EU Plans to Include Ukraine in Free Roaming Area by 2026

In a significant step towards closer
integration between the European Union
and Ukraine, the European Commission
on 17 June unveiled a proposal to formally
integrate Kyiv into the EU’s ‘Roam Like
at Home’ area from 1 January 2026. The
initiative would allow Ukrainian citizens to
use their mobile phones across the EU—
making calls, sending texts, and using data—
without incurring additional charges. The
same benefits would apply to EU citizens
travelling in Ukraine. “We want Ukrainian
citizens to stay connected to their loved
ones across the EU, as well as in their home
country,” said Commission President Ursula
von der Leyen. If unanimously approved by
the Council—including Hungary—this would
mark the first instance of the EU extending These rules ensure not only fair pricing, but telecommunications operators, with the
internal market treatment to Ukraine. also consistent quality: users must have goal of fully eliminating additional roaming
The proposal follows Ukraine’s formal access to the same network speed and fees by 2028. Regarding Ukraine, the
notification to the Commission that it had service standards wherever they are in the Commission’s proposal also responds to a
aligned its national roaming legislation EU. Access to emergency services remains formal request from Kyiv, which expressed
with EU standards, in accordance with free of charge, as is customary throughout its interest in joining the EU’s roaming
the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement—a the Union. Beyond the EU’s borders, plans regime in June 2022. Furthermore, in April
key precondition for accessing the EU are underway to expand the EU roaming 2022, European and Ukrainian operators
roaming area. Following its assessment, area to include the Western Balkans. At agreed to voluntary measures providing
the Commission concluded that Kyiv meets the EU–Western Balkans Summit held in affordable mobile connectivity to over four
all necessary requirements to implement Tirana in December 2022; leaders signed million refugees who had sought shelter in
the EU roaming rules. Since 2017, the a declaration committing to the gradual the EU after fleeing the Russian invasion.
Roam like at Home rules have enabled EU reduction of data roaming charges This agreement has now been extended
consumers to use mobile services—calls, between the two blocs. This commitment until the end of 2025, in preparation for
texts, and data—across member states at took effect on 1 October 2023, following an Ukraine’s potential integration into the EU
the same cost as in their home country. agreement among 38 European and Balkan roaming area from next year.

Italy Proposes New Cut to Wholesale Telecom Fees

Italian regulator AGCOM has proposed a to AGCOM commissioner Antonio Preto. new cut, which is subject to a30 day long
new wholesale telecom fee, an official said, Speaking on the sidelines of a conference, consultation period. A previous decision
a move that may erode earnings at Telecom Preto said AGCOM was forced it the decision to cut by around 6 percent access fees for
Italia which owns the bulk of Italy's phone by Italy's top administrative court which 2013 reduced Telecom Italia's income by
network. The plan is to cut monthly prices asked it to review prices for maintenance 110 million euros ($150 million) and sparked
Telecom Italia charges its rivals to access services following a legal complaint by criticism by the European Commission
each line on its network to 8.66 euros three Telecom Italia rivals. Separately which said the cut discouraged investment
for2010, 8.91 euros for 2011 and 9.06 Telecom Italia CEO Marco Patuano said his in faster networks.
euros for 2012, from 9.28euros, according group would appeal against the proposed

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