Communications regulators within the East African Community (EAC) are working on a new regional framework aimed at reducing mobile roaming charges, improving cross-border connectivity, and strengthening the digital economy across member states.The proposal is designed to make communication more affordable and seamless for travellers, businesses, and investors operating within East Africa.

Regulators from different EAC countries met in Dar es Salaam to review the draft policy, which focuses on harmonising mobile pricing structures, improving consumer protection, and aligning operational standards across the region.

The framework is expected to be submitted to the EAC Sectoral Council on Transport, Communications and Meteorology for further review and possible adoption.It forms part of wider regional efforts to advance economic integration and support the creation of a Single Digital Market.Officials emphasized that affordable and reliable digital connectivity is now a key driver of trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

The new proposal introduces cost-based roaming tariffs and aims to make voice calls, SMS, and mobile data more affordable across borders, which is important for e-commerce, logistics, and digital financial services.

The plan also strengthens consumer protection by addressing unfair billing, unexpected roaming charges, and service disruptions, while promoting transparency in cross-border telecom services.Tanzania’s communications regulator noted that previous reforms have already improved connectivity and competition in the sector.

Stakeholders, including development partners, highlighted that better roaming systems will support SMEs, transport operators, and tourism by lowering communication costs and improving service access across the EAC region.