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The three telecommunication service providers - MTN South
Sudan, Zain South Sudan, and Digitel - have announced the second phase of tariff
adjustments.
The tariff adjustment that will increase mobile phones
airtime and internet data bundles, comes amidst the soaring inflation in the country.
The three firms stated that the adjustment, which took
effect on August 1, 2024, is essential to ensure continued investment in
cutting-edge technology, network reliability, and enhanced customer service.
The first implementation of a three-phase increment of
mobile tariff rates was announced on September 15, 2022, as guided by the
National Communications Authority (NCA).
The last increment saw the telecommunication companies
doubling their subscription cost for voice bundles, also effecting an increase
in minimum daily internet bundles of 100 MBs from 250SSP to 515SSP for MTN, and
at a similar rate for Zain.
The new MTN data tariff rates of second phase adjustment,
SSP300 for 25 MBs, SSP580 for 50MBs and SSP1,120 for 100MBs and similar
increase for Zain and Digitel.
“We assure our customers that every effort has been made to
minimize the impact of these adjustments on their telecommunication costs. We
remain committed to providing affordable and reliable service, pledging to
continue to improve customer experience and value,” the companies’ joint
statement reads.
After the tariff adjustments, South Sudan now has the most
expensive internet cost in the East Africa region and the second most expensive
in the continent as well – with an average retail price of 2 dollars per onegigabyte of bandwidth.
South Sudan is grappling with catastrophic inflation after
the Sudan war damaged facilities transporting the country’s crude oil to the
Red Sea, depriving the country of its crucial revenue generator. This has left
the pound currency drastically weakened against the US dollar, and civil
servants have not been paid for nearly a year.
The tariff hikes have been met with dismay by South Sudanese
citizens across the nation as internet users react.
“Can we see the unfortunate increase in the tarrifs? The
rates are increased again. Now the internet is far more expensive than ever.”
“MTN 1GB 2,250 SSP for 5Hrs ..... imagine if you don't use
it after your 2, 250 will expire! It's looting.”
“Where's our ministry of finance? This is where he's to be
interrogated together with Michael Makuei and NCA.”
However, the telecom companies have defended their decision,
citing the need to recover the substantial investments made in rolling out
services across the country.
The government has also emphasized that the focus remains on safeguarding subscriber interests, promoting orderly growth through investments in cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring financial sustainability.
