10 July, 2024

European Operators Renew Commitment to Keeping Ukrainian Refugees Connected Across Borders

Brussels, 10 July 2024 - ETNO, the Association representing Europe’s leading telecom operators, welcomes the agreement between the European Commission, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC), the Ukrainian national regulatory authority (NCEC), and 22 European and seven Ukrainian telecommunications operators. This agreement reaffirms the coordinated efforts to secure and stabilize affordable or free roaming and international calls between the EU and Ukraine.

Over two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, European telecom operators remain dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugees, ensuring they stay connected with their families and loved ones. This is also complemented by diverse local initiatives that European operators have initiated in the early days of the conflict, including contributing to humanitarian aid, organising donations and other ad hoc charitable actions.

As to Ukranian operators, despite the challenges - including decreased incoming traffic, difficulties in maintaining the subscriber base, and the need to invest in network restoration - local telcos continue to offer free or significantly reduced roaming services tailored to customers' needs.

More info: Commission welcomes a twelve-month roaming extension for affordable calls to and from Ukraine