Zain to start implementing new mobile data tariffs on Thursday

JUBA – Mobile operator Zain has announced that it will start implementing new mobile data tariffs on Thursday, just two days after South Sudan National Communications Authority increased telecom tariffs amid inflation.

“Be informed that, Zain will be implementing tariff adjustments as per NCA approval in three phases within 90 days starting from September 15 to November 15, 2022,” Zain said in a statement seen by Sudans Post on Saturday morning.

The National Communication Authority announced on Thursday a rollout of new tariff rates for telecommunication companies operating in South Sudan which will see an increment of mobile data tariffs by 100 percent.

The NCA Director-General Napoleon Adok Gai said tariff rates of 1 US dollar for mobile network operators will be adjusted to the current central bank rate of 600 pounds.

“National Communication Authority is announcing 90 days rollout of tariffs exchange rate adjustment. Over the past five months, network operators submitted several requests to review current tariffs exchange rate of 300 SSP against 1 U.S dollars,” Gai said in a statement.

“Understanding the suffering of people of South Sudan due to global inflation, NCA has been reluctant to adjust the tariffs exchange rates,” Gai added.

He said the increase in the rate come with a new demand to improve network coverage by providing quality services.

“Our attempt to control the current exchange rate at 300 SSP to the dollar was unsustainable for the Mobile Network Operators (MNO) because we are demanding them to provide quality network coverage across the country,” he said.