Internet user. (Photo: Courtesy).

One gigabyte for mobile internet in South Sudan has risen to 7 U.S. dollars (4,370 SSP), while it only costs an average of 0.84 U.S. dollars in neighboring Kenya.

The data from Statista also indicates that the same 1 GB costs just 0.75 US dollars in the Sudan and 1.32 US dollars in Uganda.

South Sudan apparently has the highest internet cost in the region, after the two leading telecommunication companies – Zain and MTN implemented the final increment of data tariff rates effective as of November 15 2022.

The final increment for internet and voice bundles will be implemented to align with the current exchange rate of the Central Bank.

The telecommunication networks started implementing the Tariff Exchange Rate on September 15 2022, and in phases for a period of three months until today.

Minimum daily internet bundles of 100 MBs have now increased from 250 pounds in September to 515 pounds for MTN, and at a similar rate for Zain.

Weekly subscriptions for 1 GB of internet bundles have also been raised from 2,120 in September to 4,370 in November this year.

On the other hand, Zain and MTN customers will now need around 100 US Dollars to subscribe to 12GB MTN monthly bundles.

Meanwhile, the two telecommunication companies have also doubled their subscription cost for voice bundles.

This comes after the National Communication Authority decided to adjust tariff rates for mobile network operators from 300 per 1 US dollar to the current central bank rate of 600 pounds per dollar.

The adjustment to the current Central Bank rate of 600 per 1 US dollar is believed to have been triggered by the inflation of the local currency.

It is expected to significantly increase the cost of mobile airtime and internet data, making communication unbearable for users.

Director-General Napoleon Adok Gai said the Communication Authority has failed to maintain the previous exchange rate as mobile network operators allegedly threatened to shutdown citing high cost of operation.