Mercosur countries have agreed to eliminate roaming

More than 185 million mobile communications users will benefit from the roaming elimination agreement signed by Mercosur member countries, in line with the situation in the European Union.

"This is an example of cooperation between countries to strengthen the region and generate concrete benefits for citizens and, furthermore, will encourage the development of the telecommunications sector so that operators can offer an accessible and quality service" said Deputy Chief of Staff and Secretary of Modernization Government, Andrés Ibarra.

The elimination of roaming directly brings a benefit to users and a reduction in the cost of communications between countries.

Although the bilateral agreement with Chile on this issue has already been advanced in Argentina, the political decision to define elimination for the bloc gives a new impetus to the measure.

Silvana Giudici, president of the National Agency of Communication (Enacom), told Telam: "In September, in Asunción, we will meet the regulators of the four countries with the telephone operators of each country in order to progress in the region. Elimination of roaming in Mercosur as each parliament ratifies what was signed today at the Presidents' Summit. "

The Ibarra office said that "this measure is part of Mercosur's digital strategy and will benefit, regionally, more than 185 million users facilitating trade and social relations in the region".

"In the case of Argentina, the agreement will last indefinitely and enter into force thirty (30) days after its ratification" by the National Congress, they said.

They said that "the free roaming service would come into effect when at least two of the countries concerned ratify it (in which case it would enter into force bilaterally), after which the rest of the parties would be added".

Argentina had already made progress under a bilateral agreement with Chile.

"With this measure, we seek to continue to focus on the project proposed in the National Telecommunication and Connectivity Plan, which proposes to develop a competitive telecommunications market, in the 21st century, where connectivity is a key element. sustained growth, "Ibarra concluded.