In the framework of the VII Assembly of the Inter-American Telecommunications Commission (CITEL), held in Buenos Aires, several American countries agreed on a flat rate for those users who travel abroad and wish to communicate by cell phone. If the measure advances favorably, roaming will remain in the past.
Thus, if the idea promoted by the Minister of Modernization Andrés Ibarra comes to fruition, Argentines traveling to the countries that signed the agreement will not be charged extra fees for the use of their calls and data packages.
Sources from the Ministry of Modernization specified that although there is no specific deadline for the elimination of roaming, the commitment is that the idea will be fulfilled before 2022.
Argentina will be the main person responsible for promoting the fulfillment of the idea, since during the period between 2018 and 2022 it will be in charge of the presidency of the CITEL permanent Steering Committee.
The elimination of the extra payment for roaming would not only benefit customers but will also drive growth in telecommunications services and promote communication between countries in the region. It should also be noted that the decision will determine that companies must make several investments in infrastructure.
Which countries made the agreement?
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador,
Central America: Panama, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Trinidad and Tobago
North America: United States, Canada, Mexico
The same initiative was already undertaken within the European Union, where user complaints about the high roaming costs pressured the change.
Updated on: 20/03/2018 00:00:00
