In a move to standardise calling and roaming rates across East Africa, under the One Network Initiative, Safaricom has lowered its tariffs prices for roaming in Uganda after implementing the same in Rwanda.
This agreement will be effected in partnership with MTN Uganda, UTL Uganda, Airtel Uganda and Orange Uganda. Safaricom subscribers will now receive calls for free in Uganda and make calls to the country at KShs 10 per minute. Previous rates were as high as Kshs 215 per minute.
"This is a significant step towards greater East Africa integration. A reduction of this kind will boost trade opportunities between these two key East African nations. We remain committed to identifying more opportunities to lower roaming rates for more countries in the region," Bob Collymore, CEO, Safaricom said.
The One Network Initiative is an agreement by Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and South Sudan to reduce roaming costs across their borders to enhance communication in a bid to spur business growth in the region.
Safaricom slashed its prices for roaming costs to Rwanda with MTN, Airtel and Tigo and has seen as much as 60% reduction in retail roaming and international calling costs.
"In the months post implementation, Safaricom has noted significant growth in traffic between the two countries, with calls originated by Safaricom subscribers while roaming in Rwanda increasing by 85%, while calls received by Safaricom subscribers roaming in Rwanda increased by 101%," the company said.
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