Governments in East Africa Force Telecoms to Cut Calling Rates by 60%, Reports KT Press

KIGALI, Rwanda, Oct. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The deadline set by Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and South Sudan for Telecom companies to cut down calling rates has expired, but some firms have not yet adhered to the call.

The harmonized calling rates agreed upon by Information Communication Technology ministers of the named countries are aimed at implementing the 'One Network Area' initiative of ensuring affordable communication services to accelerate trade and investment across the region.

Telecoms have since rushed to meet the deadline, with some missing it. Some have given contradicting excuses and traded accusations with governments.

Safaricom, Kenya's largest telecom operator has been in conflict with Rwanda accusing the latter against introducing exorbitant charges on international calling and roaming rates between the two countries.

The Director General of Rwanda Utility Regulatory Agency (RURA), Patrick Nyirishema told KT Press on Wednesday 8^th October that calling charges within the Northern Corridor including Kenya are not supposed to exceed $0.10 (Rwf 68) per minute for both pre- and post-paid subscribers.

But Safaricom had earlier announced in a statement that Rwanda had suspended the proposed new International and Roaming tariffs between the two countries, making it impossible for operators in Kenya and Rwanda to go ahead with the planned downward revision in tariffs.

But Nyirishema brushed off the allegations as an excuse for Safaricom's to explain their failure to implement the agreement.

Meanwhile, MTN Rwanda told KT Press it has already cut their rates on voice calls to Kenya to RWF 60 per minute from RWF 122.

Tigo Rwanda said they slashed calling rates to Kenya 24 hours before the deadline to the agreed rate of Rwf 70. Tigo will charge no fee for roaming. Bharti Airtel is yet to communicate its changes.

Rwanda's ICT Minister, Jean Philbert Nsengimana, stated that the move will improve trade and strengthen ties in the region.

Uganda's ICT Minister John Nasasira said, "The One Network Area is just the beginning towards the road to easing the cost of doing business in our region."

Subscribers in the region are also enthusiastic about the development.

Tanzania, Burundi and South Sudan are scheduled to join the 'One Network Area' by December 31 as part of the wider plan to improve trade ties within the region.

For Media Enquiries, contact

Patrick Bigabo
KT Press
+250788746953
Email

SOURCE KT Press