President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signed Law No. 4345-IX, finalising preparations for aligning with EU roaming regulations and integrating into the EU’s Single Digital Market.

The law lays the groundwork for Ukraine to join the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” scheme. This will allow Ukrainians to use their mobile operator’s tariffs without incurring additional charges for mobile services and internet across the 27 EU countries. The law also signals Ukraine’s readiness for deeper integration into European markets.

A key feature of the law is that European operators will not need to undergo a general authorisation process in Ukraine if they do not provide electronic communication services directly. This will enable them to offer services through Ukrainian networks more quickly and easily.

The law also outlines the powers of the National Commission for Electronic Communications to enhance the operation of the Roam Like at Home service in Ukraine:

• Monitoring compatibility and connectivity between Ukrainian and European operators’ networks;
• Ensuring access, interconnection, and compatibility of services provided by Ukrainian and European operators;
• Assisting Ukrainians in resolving issues with European operators if their communication services are disrupted.

Operators will be able to ensure network compatibility, even when using different equipment or technologies, enabling seamless roaming for subscribers.

The next step is awaiting a positive assessment and decision from the EU on mutual provision of the internal market roaming regime between Ukraine and the EU (a joint Ukraine-EU roaming zone). No non-EU country has previously joined the Roam Like at Home policy, making this a significant milestone. This development further underscores Ukraine’s role as a key digital player in Europe.

Source: https://thedigital.gov.ua/