Arab Finance: The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) directed telecom companies operating in Egypt to offer new packages for fixed internet and mobile services, according to an official statement.  

A new fixed internet package will be offered at EGP 150, replacing the current lowest-priced package of EGP 210. Similarly, the authority introduced a new mobile package for EGP 5, instead of the current lowest-priced package of EGP 13.

The NTRA also mandated free access to all government and educational websites on fixed internet and mobile networks, even if the data allowance was exhausted.

This move is part of the government’s plan to adjust telecommunications service prices by 9% to 15% for some packages, inclusive of taxes.

Meanwhile, the price per minute for fixed and mobile voice calls, as well as the prices of prepaid recharge cards and e-wallets, will remain unchanged.

This decision comes as part of the NTRA's commitment to driving the sustainable development of telecom services and enabling companies to increase their investments in network upgrades.

The companies will enhance operational efficiency and expand their infrastructure to meet the growing demand for telecommunications services and the steady increase in internet usage rates, which reached 36% for fixed-line internet within a year.

NTRA highlighted that the price adjustment requests came in light of several economic, operational, and investment changes that included the exchange rate fluctuations, increased electricity prices for commercial activities, and higher fuel and petroleum product prices.

Telecom firms were affected by the higher investment costs related to network expansions and upgrades, disruptions to supply chains, and higher prices for electronic chips used in telecommunications equipment.

Therefore, these adjustments intend to support companies' plans to boost investments aimed at enhancing service quality and network efficiency.