The Communication Authority (CA) has notified kenyans to expect lower call rates starting from next year in a bid to counter the harsh economic times. This will be the new revised call rates
Dropping from the current Ksh. 0.58 per minute to Ksh. 0.41. The rates are meant to: Caution kenyans from high cost of living. Also, strike a balance between a consumer (Kenyan) and promote investment in the country.
In a notice released on Friday the 17th of November, the rates are to apply next year, around March to be exact. This is to allow communication companies to adjust to the new directive. This is by implementing the directive to ensure uniformity across all network providers in Kenya.
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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.”
However, the new charges will apply to calls made within the country. These changes will last for atleast two years according to the Communication Authority before a review is done.
“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.”
The notice therefore required communication companies to adjust to the new directive before the February deadline.
“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.”
However, the new Ksh. 0.41 call rate is the maximum charge of the call per minute. Companies will now have to decide to either charge at Ksh. 0.41 or less depending on how they see fit. Therefore this will be the official new revised call rates