EAC States Push to Strengthen One Network Area Framework for Cheaper and Fairer Roaming Across the Region

 

The East African Community (EAC) Partner States are taking decisive steps to make regional roaming more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. As part of the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP), national consultations were held in August 2025 with governments, regulators, and mobile operators to discuss improvements to the EAC’s One Network Area (ONA) framework.

These consultations form part of EARDIP’s goal to drive connectivity market development and deepen regional digital integration. While the ONA has already reduced roaming costs across the region, significant gaps remain in ensuring full accessibility, fairness, and long-term effectiveness.

“East Africans should be able to move, trade, and connect across our borders without worrying about exorbitant phone bills,”

said Dr. Franklin Makokha, Communications Authority of Kenya.

“This is about making regional integration real in people’s daily lives.”

“We need to advance regional connectivity with a focus on affordability, accessibility, and interoperability,”

stated Mr. Ferdinand Manirakiza, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communication, Information Technologies and Media, Burundi.

He emphasized these as critical enablers of the free movement of people, goods, and services, as outlined in the EAC Common Market Protocol.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), one of the newest members of the EAC, expressed its determination to align fully with the ONA framework.

“DRC seeks to align fully in order to benefit from participation in the ONA,”

said Mr. Dominique Mungimba Moket, Director of Telecommunications Market Regulations, Autorité de Régulation de Poste et de Télécommunication, DRC.

Somalia, another newer Partner State, also stressed the urgency of becoming a part of the harmonised regional roaming framework.

“It is strategic for Somalia to align with EAC rules and practices, including harmonising sector frameworks to advance the broader regional economic agenda,”

said Eng. Naima Hassan, Head of Interconnect, Pricing and Universal Service, National Communications Authority, Federal Republic of Somalia.

The consultations emphasized the need for a standardised interconnect regulatory framework, which would provide a uniform set of rules for how networks connect across borders. Stakeholders highlighted that such harmonisation would improve cost efficiency, streamline traffic routing, and encourage fair competition.

While cost remains the most pressing issue, the consultations identified other critical areas that need attention:

• Tackling illicit practices like SIM boxing

• Setting fair usage policies to prevent abuse

• Protecting smaller operators from anti-competitive pricing

• Establishing clear regional enforcement mechanisms

Stakeholders also highlighted the importance of consumer education to increase public awareness and usage of ONA services.

“The message is simple: ONA must work for everyone—the trader crossing a border, the student studying abroad, and the operator investing in networks. Closing the gaps in ONA will unlock vast opportunities,”

said Ms. Julianne Mweheire, Director of Economic Regulation, Content and Consumer Affairs, Uganda Communications Commission.

The revised ONA framework will also account for emerging technologies, including e-SIMs, IoT roaming, and advanced data-driven services, reflecting the evolving nature of digital communications.

“Rwanda will fully support any citizen-focused digital initiative that demonstrates clear socio-economic benefits,”

said Mr. Fidel Karenzi, Senior Technologist, Digital Age Infrastructure & Platforms Interoperability, Ministry of ICT and Innovation, Rwanda.

“A harmonised regional roaming regime is not only a driver of regional integration but also a catalyst for business growth and the broader regional economy,”

emphasized Mr. Fuad Adam Rwabuhungu, Manager, Telecommunication and Internet Management Services, Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority.

“A harmonised roaming regime is key to regional integration,”

added Eng. Papiti Okwacu, Director, Technical Services, National Communications Authority, South Sudan.

The national consultations brought together ICT ministries, EAC affairs ministries, telecom regulators, and licensed mobile network operators with roaming capabilities. The purpose was to review and validate draft study findings on enhancing ONA for voice, data, and SMS services; assess regulatory environments; and collect technical and commercial feedback to support the ONA upgrade.

Ultimately, an improved ONA framework promises tangible benefits for both citizens and service providers—lower roaming costs, improved connectivity, and a more stable business environment for telecom investments across East Africa.