Parliament votes lower roaming charges for Moldovans

The citizens of Moldova will benefit from higher quality electronic communication services at affordable prices, thanks to a new draft law adopted by the parliament.

The legislative initiative, developed by the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization (MDED), transposes 12 European acts and regulations into the national legislation.

Among the most important provisions, there is the possibility of including  Moldova in the European Union’s 'roam like at home' area, which will allow Moldovans to benefit from reduced roaming charges while traveling, and vice versa, for foreigners in Moldova.

The law also introduces consumer protection measures. The National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications and Information Technology (ANRCETI) will launch a platform enabling the comparison of provider offers, and companies will be required to provide clear information before contracts are signed.

The national 112 service will be upgraded, in order to include total communication, accessible also to people with hearing or speech impairments, as well as geolocation functionality, essential for quick interventions in emergencies.

The law also provides for improved service quality, number portability at no extra cost, and the return of unused credit. Besides, investments in very high-capacity networks, including 5G, will be encouraged by providing long-term licenses.

The draft will enter into force on January 1, 2026.

According to official data, there are presently 343 authorized electronic service providers operating in Moldova.