Belarus and Russia Agree to Abolish Roaming: What Will Change on March 1, 2025

On December 6, 2024, during a session of the Supreme State Council of the Union State in Minsk, an agreement was signed to abolish roaming charges between Russia and Belarus. This long-awaited decision, discussed over the past ten years, is finally becoming a reality. The new tariffs will come into effect on March 1, 2025, providing convenient communication conditions for citizens of both countries.

What will change for subscribers?

The new rules imply the ability to use mobile services in the other country of the Union State without significant financial losses. According to Konstantin Shulgan, Belarusian Minister of Communications and Informatization, roaming conditions will be as close as possible to domestic network tariffs. For example:

• Voice calls: At least 300 minutes for roaming calls, with 150 minutes allocated for incoming calls and the remaining 150 for outgoing calls.
• Internet traffic: Subscribers will be able to use up to 5 GB of mobile internet on preferential terms. The cost of 1 GB will be 4 Belarusian rubles.
• Call costs without a minute package: For those without free minutes in their tariff, the price per minute of a call in roaming will be 11 Belarusian kopecks.

The path to roaming cancellation

The idea of abolishing roaming charges between Russia and Belarus has been discussed since 2013. Over the years, various roadmaps were proposed, but implementation was continuously postponed. It was initially planned to introduce new conditions on September 1, 2020, then the deadlines were shifted to 2022, and the final decision was only made in December 2024. According to experts, the lengthy process was associated with technical difficulties and the need to align tariff conditions between the telecom operators of the two countries. Nevertheless, in 2024, the parties reached a compromise, enabling equal conditions for subscribers in Belarus and Russia.

What benefits will citizens gain?

The abolition of roaming charges between Russia and Belarus will open new opportunities for citizens of both countries. This decision will not only make travel more convenient but also help save on communication costs. Simplified access to mobile services will positively impact tourism activity and facilitate business communication. Travelers will be able to use navigation apps, book hotels, and purchase tickets without fearing high communication bills. This will also encourage the use of modern mobile services and contribute to the digitalization of society.

When will the new rules take effect?

The new tariffs are scheduled to take effect on March 1, 2025. Until then, telecom operators in both countries will be preparing their networks for the new operating conditions. Subscribers can rest assured that communication will become more affordable while maintaining high quality. Thus, the abolition of roaming charges between Belarus and Russia will be an important step toward strengthening the integration of the Union State and simplifying the lives of millions of citizens.