Mercosur member countries recently signed a trade agreement with the European Union. Although no details are known, nor effective date, the four South American nations move forward in making crucial decisions for their populations and the region in general.
One of the topics discussed by the authorities of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay is the elimination of the additional payment for the use of data abroad, or better known as “roaming“, by 2020.
The measure, which was ratified by the four nations during the recent Santa Fe summit, would benefit on average 200 million users in the region.
Despite the enthusiasm of the representatives of these countries, there are still long way to go. “The agreement must be approved by the Parliaments and then go through a commission that will set dates for entry into force and possible compensation to telephone operators.”
One factor that gives encouragement and hope is that this payment for use of international data will be suppressed very soon for Argentine and Chilean customers thanks to a bilateral agreement signed between both governments.
In this regard, Chilean President Sebastián Piñera indicated that 70% of the tariffs will be eliminated when the agreement will be effective. Mauricio Macri, president of Argentina, expressed that the agreement “will allow Mercosur members to be integrated into the international economy.”
M.Pino
Source: El País
