• One Network Area to slash roaming costs for mobile data—just $0.005/MB—making cross-border internet access as cheap as home.
• New tech like e-SIMs and IoT services will enable seamless connectivity for travelers, businesses, and smart systems across the region.
• With Somalia and DRC joining in, and protections against fraud in place, the EAC is future-proofing its telecom ecosystem for a truly borderless digital economy.

East Africans may soon enjoy cheaper internet access when traveling across the region, as the East African Community (EAC) moves to expand its One Network Area (ONA) framework to cover more than just calls and SMS. The next phase will introduce e-SIMs, Internet of Things (IoT) services, and capped data roaming at just $0.005 per MB, making it easier and more affordable for citizens to stay connected wherever they go.

The decision follows consultations in August 2025 between governments, regulators, and telecom operators under the Eastern Africa Regional Digital Integration Project (EARDIP). The move reflects the growing importance of internet services in everyday life—from mobile banking and e-learning to WhatsApp calls and social media.

“East Africans should be able to move, trade, and connect across our borders without worrying about exorbitant phone bills,” said Dr. Franklin Makokha of Kenya’s Communications Authority. “This is about making regional integration real in people’s daily lives.”

When ONA was first introduced in 2014, its main goal was to slash roaming charges for voice calls and SMS. But with internet use now central to communication, entertainment, and commerce, the framework is being retooled to put affordable data at its core.

The EAC region has already made notable strides in digital connectivity, fueled by investments in telecommunications infrastructure. National fiber backbones have boosted internet speeds, while undersea cables such as SEACOM, EASSy, and TEAMS have expanded international bandwidth by linking the region to global networks. With nearly universal SIM penetration and mobile money driving financial inclusion, East Africa has become one of the most digitally dynamic regions on the continent. Yet gaps in affordability, policy, and enforcement remain—making initiatives like ONA vital to sustaining progress.

For ordinary citizens, this means no more fear of sky-high charges when traveling across borders to visit family, study, or do business. Travelers could soon enjoy home-like internet rates while using social media, mobile money, or video calls across the region.

The inclusion of e-SIM support signals a push toward modernizing the region’s telecom ecosystem. Unlike traditional SIM cards, e-SIMs allow users to activate services remotely without swapping physical cards, reducing costs and making it easier for consumers and businesses to operate seamlessly across borders.

For IoT services, the new roaming rules could be transformative. Applications such as smart logistics, cross-border fleet management, industrial monitoring, and precision agriculture all require reliable, affordable mobile data connections. By reducing roaming costs, the EAC hopes to create a friendlier environment for innovation in these sectors.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Somalia, the bloc’s newest members, are also preparing to join the framework. Regulators in both countries say they see affordable roaming as a vital step in bringing their citizens into the digital economy.

“It is strategic for Somalia to align with EAC rules and practices,” said Eng. Naima Hassan from Somalia’s communications authority. “This will make everyday life easier for our people while advancing the broader regional economic agenda.”

Stakeholders acknowledged that cheaper roaming must be matched with strong protections for users. Fraud, such as SIM-boxing, and misuse of services remain problems. To address this, the revised ONA will include fair usage rules, stricter oversight, and consumer protection measures.

By putting data at the center of regional integration, the EAC is making everyday life more affordable, more connected, and more digital for millions of East Africans. It moves ONA beyond just phones to include the digital tools and smart systems that will power Africa’s future economy—ensuring the region is not only catching up with cheaper calls but future-proofing for a data-driven world.

Hikmatu Bilali