Mobile network operators MTN, Zain, and Digitel, which provide voice and internet services across South Sudan. Courtesy photo.

Consumers will pay more for phone calls and internet services starting Friday after the National Communication Authority (NCA) approved a phased adjustment of telecommunications tariffs.

The new rates will take effect at midnight on June 26 following consultations involving the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, Parliament, mobile network operators, and civil society organizations.

According to the NCA, the adjustment is intended to help telecommunications companies remain operational amid growing economic challenges, including high inflation, the depreciation of the South Sudanese pound, and limited access to foreign currency.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba, NCA Director General Rizig Dominic said the move should not be viewed as a tariff increase.

“This is not a tariff increase. The underlying prices have remained unchanged for the last eight months,” he said.

The authority said the international benchmark for voice calls remains at $0.04 per minute, equivalent to approximately SSP 181 based on the Bank of South Sudan’s official exchange rate.

However, it noted that operators, including MTN, Zain, and Digitel, collect revenue using an exchange rate of about SSP 4,526 per U.S. dollar while purchasing foreign currency from commercial banks at rates approaching SSP 27,000 per dollar.

The NCA said telecommunications companies depend on foreign currency to pay for imported equipment, software licenses, satellite services, and network maintenance.

It added that the approved adjustment is the minimum measure needed to help operators absorb part of the exchange rate gap and avoid disruptions to services, particularly in remote areas.

The authority said it will continue monitoring the implementation of the new tariffs and review them as economic conditions change.