Montenegro is initiating steps to align with the European Union’s roaming framework, a development that signals its intent to deepen ties with the EU’s digital and telecommunications sectors, as reported by RTCG.
This initiative seeks to incorporate Montenegro into the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” policy, which permits mobile users to access voice, SMS, and data services across member states without incurring additional roaming fees. By joining this system, Montenegrin travelers will benefit from reduced costs while EU visitors in Montenegro will experience similar conditions.
The preparation for this integration involves both regulatory and technical adjustments, necessitating the alignment of Montenegro’s telecommunications laws with EU regulations. Key areas of focus include:
• wholesale roaming price caps
• consumer protection standards
• fair usage policies
• network interoperability
Telecom operators in Montenegro will need to revise their pricing models and wholesale agreements to comply with the EU’s framework, which is centered around regulated inter-operator tariffs, ensuring equitable cost recovery across different markets.
This transition is expected to alter revenue dynamics significantly. Historically, roaming fees have constituted a high-margin segment for telecom companies, particularly in economies reliant on tourism like Montenegro. Adopting the EU model may compress these profit margins, compelling operators to depend more on:
• domestic service revenues
• bundled data packages
• increased traffic volumes
The anticipated increase in traffic, especially during peak tourist seasons, may help mitigate some of the revenue losses from roaming charges through volume-driven revenue models.
This timing aligns closely with Montenegro’s broader objectives for EU accession. Joining the European roaming area is generally associated with advancements in digital market alignment, marking both a technical achievement and a political indication of alignment with EU standards.
The elimination of roaming fees is poised to have broader economic implications beyond the telecommunications sector. Reduced communication costs are expected to bolster:
• tourism flows
• cross-border business activities
• adoption of digital services
This is particularly significant for Montenegro’s service-oriented economy, where enhanced connectivity and international mobility directly impact revenue generation across tourism, trade, and remote working sectors.
The next phase involves implementing these changes, where regulatory alignment, operator preparedness, and collaboration with EU institutions will be crucial for determining the timeline for full integration into the European roaming system.
