Technological developments and roaming study

The purpose of this study is to assess the availability of technologies, services and business models which could potentially act as alternatives to regulated retail voice, SMS and data roaming services. It will examine the competitive pressure that existing and emerging alternatives, technological developments and traffic flows may exert on roaming services. The study will support the EC’s analysis of the functioning of the roaming market, including the provision of roaming services at retail and wholesale level. The assessments and conclusions will feed into the EC’s 2027 review of the roaming market and inform the report to be submitted to the European Parliament and Council in accordance with the Roaming Regulation. The technologies and services covered by the study shall include mobile networks and other electronic communication network, such as fixed and satellite networks. The study shall analyse the impact of these services (referred to as “Alternative Services”) on roaming in the EU/EEA and the way it is regulated. The study should consider, inter alia, the following developments: • eSIM and iSIM technologies; • 5G Stand Alone, 5G Advanced and Early 6G Developments; • Satellite communication services; • Mobile virtual network operators; • Network evolution; • Wi-Fi offloading/ Wi-Fi aggregation; and • OTTs and messaging evolution. Maximum value of the procurement: 139.999 EUR - Contract duration 5 months.