4iG signed the Roaming Declaration, committing to the economic integration of the Western Balkans

2022-12-06 17:36:02Biznes SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX
4iG signed the Roaming Declaration, committing to the economic integration of
4iG signed the Roaming Declaration, committing to the economic integration of the Western Balkans

Starting from October 1, 2023, telecommunications operators in the European Union and the Western Balkans are committed to reducing data roaming service fees for citizens and businesses.

As one of the largest investors in the telecommunications market in the Western Balkans, 4iG Group, investor of ALBtelecom and One Telecommunication in Albania, together with One Crna Gora in Montenegro, supported the cross-border mobility initiative, signing the Roaming Agreement at the summit of the Western Balkans, held in Tirana, on December 6.

"In the era we live in, technology eliminates the borders between European nations. Having considerable interest in the Western Balkans market, we remain very focused on the economic integration of this region with the European Union and on the advancement of developments aimed at further integration, especially in the field of telecommunications and ICT" - said Péter Fekete , CEO of 4iG Group.

The commitment of telecommunications operators, according to the Declaration, contributes to strengthening the cross-border mobility of the Western Balkans, as well as improves and simplifies the connection of citizens and businesses of the EU and the Western Balkans.

"This agreement is the result of several years of investment in the network and infrastructure needed to connect to the region and achieve the best roaming services. The experience of the Albanian market and technological development provide excellent knowledge for our partners to use telecommunication and ICT services for the further development of the potential of the regional economy" - said Emil Georgakiev, CEO of One &ALBtelecom, Albania.

The Declaration on Roaming signed by telecommunication operators is supported by the institutions of the European Union and the Western Balkans.

Within the framework of the "Roam Like at Home-Speak at Home" initiative both in the EU and in the Western Balkans region, the signatories of this Agreement seek to find a coordinated approach to contribute to effective and necessary offers for consumers who travel between EU and Western Balkan countries. Telecommunications operators, on the basis of the Declaration, will consider gradually introducing tariff plans and options to reduce data roaming surcharges between the EU and Western Balkan economies, in both directions, from which they should benefit citizens and businesses in the Western Balkans and EU countries.

The reduction in roaming charges starts on October 1, 2023. Based on the Declaration, an escalation of the retail ceiling price will be unanimously approved and announced no later than May 1, 2023. The first significant reduction of data roaming prices will take effect from October 1, 2023.

The countries of the Western Balkans have already introduced in the region "Roam like at home" in July 2019 and fully "Roam Like at Home" in July 2021, a commitment that consisted in the gradual reduction and subsequent elimination of roaming surcharges between the economies of the Balkans Western.


Video