As the Nigerian telecoms sector presses for upward changes in telecom services pricing, South Sudan's three main telecom operators - MTN, Digitel, and Zain - have announced  tariff increases to match with the Central Bank's US dollar reference rate.

In a joint statement MTN South Sudan, Zain South Sudan and Digitel Holdings said the National Communications Authority and the Bank of South Sudan (BOSS) had agreed to adjust the telecom tariffs in response to recent Boss official exchange rate increases.

“The adjustments will occur in three phases from October to December 2024. The first change will occur on the night of 18 October 2024, followed by subsequent changes on 18 November and 18 December,” the telcos said in their statement.

BOSS announced an increase in the official exchange rate in May, which prompted the latest tariffs hike by telecoms firms.

South Sudan's three largest mobile service providers said the adjustment will secure the country's telecoms sector's long-term viability in the face of unpredictable economic conditions.

They stressed their commitment to provide dependable and affordable services to their clients through network investment, despite the adverse economic environment.

Customers, however, are concerned about the ongoing price increases caused by exchange rate fluctuations. Many people have expressed their discontent, citing the financial burden these increases impose on their daily lives.

“As loyal customers, we expect a certain level of stability and transparency in pricing. While we understand the economic challenges, we hope your company can explore ways to cushion the impact on consumers, especially during these difficult times,” wrote Madut Bak Mawier on the MTN South Sudan Facebook page.

Meanwhile, Nigerian telecom companies such as MTN, Airtel, Glo, and others are seeking new pricing adjustments for voice, SMS, data, and other services.

As the Nigerian economy remains uncertain, telecom companies in Nigeria have increased their efforts to get limited price increases approved.

Yesterday, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers urged the Nigerian Communications Commission to approve a 10% pricing increase for telecom companies.

However, the Nigerian government has already rejected the telecom companies' intention to increase tariffs.

The administration of President Bola Tinubu said that increasing the cost of data, voice calls, and text messages would not fix the sector's challenges.