Montenegro has begun preparations to join the European Union’s roaming framework, marking a step toward deeper integration with the EU’s digital and telecommunications market, according to recent reporting by RTCG.
The initiative is aimed at aligning Montenegro with the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” regime, which allows mobile users to use voice, SMS, and data services across member states without additional roaming charges. Entry into this system would effectively eliminate extra costs for Montenegrin users traveling within the EU, while also applying the same conditions to EU visitors in Montenegro.
The preparation process is both regulatory and technical, requiring harmonisation of Montenegro’s telecom legislation with EU rules, particularly in areas such as:
• wholesale roaming price caps
• consumer protection standards
• fair usage policies
• network interoperability
Telecommunications operators in Montenegro will need to adapt their pricing structures and wholesale agreements, as the EU model is based on regulated inter-operator tariffs, ensuring that cost recovery is balanced across markets.
From a market perspective, the transition introduces a shift in revenue dynamics. Roaming charges have historically represented a high-margin segment for telecom operators, especially in tourist-driven economies like Montenegro. Moving into the EU framework compresses these margins, forcing operators to rely more heavily on:
• domestic service revenues
• bundled data packages
• higher traffic volumes
At the same time, increased traffic flows—particularly during the summer tourism season—could partially offset lost roaming income through volume-driven revenue models.
The timing is closely linked to Montenegro’s broader EU accession trajectory. Integration into the European roaming area is typically tied to progress in digital market alignment, making it both a technical milestone and a political signal of convergence with EU standards.
For the wider economy, the removal of roaming barriers carries implications beyond telecoms. Lower communication costs are expected to support:
• tourism flows
• cross-border business activity
• digital services adoption
This is particularly relevant for Montenegro’s service-oriented economy, where international mobility and connectivity directly influence revenue generation across tourism, trade, and remote work segments.
The process now moves into implementation phases, where regulatory alignment, operator readiness, and coordination with EU institutions will determine the timeline for full inclusion in the European roaming system.
