Reprieve for Kenyans as government lowers phone call rates
3 min read
Government through the Communication Authority of Kenya announces a reduction in phone call rates
Government through the Communication Authority of Kenya (CA) announces a reduction in phone call rates.
Kenyan mobile phone users are set to enjoy lower calling rates following the ICT regulator’s review of Mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) and Fixed Termination Rates (FTRS).
In the latest review, the Communications Authority capped the MTRS and FTRs at KES. 0.41 per minute.
The current SMS termination rate of 0.05 per SMS would remain unchanged.
The CA defines MTRS and FTRS as the costs that operators charge each other to allow customers to communicate across networks.
Currently, all the telecommunications service providers have been implementing an MTR and FTR of KES 0.58 per minute.
In a statement dated Friday, the Authority indicated that the call rate would drop from the current Ksh0.58 per minute to Ksh0.41 per minute.
The new phone call rate will apply to all mobile networks as the maximum charge.
The rates would apply to only local voice traffic; meaning calls originating and terminating within Kenya.
CA explained that the decrease was occasioned by the current economic times where many Kenyans are struggling to make ends meet.
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“The new rate is informed by the prevailing economic environment, ICT market dynamics, and the need to strike a balance between the promotion of investment and the protection of consumers. Lower Mobile Termination Rates (MTRS) and Fixed Termination Rates (FTRS) mean lower calling rates for consumers.
“This decision will have positive outcomes for both the consumers and operators. Consumers will now enjoy access to a variety of affordable services across networks while operators will have more price flexibility in developing more affordable products,” read the statement in part.
The new phone call rates will commence on March 1, 2024, and last for two years before review.
“Ahead of the new rates taking effect, all operators are required to vary their Interconnection Agreements in line with the Determination and file their Deeds of Variation with the Authority latest February 1, 2024,” the authority directed.
On the other hand, the current SMS termination rate remained unchanged at Ksh0.05 per SMS.
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