By Peter Ochieng
Airtel Kenya has announced a reduction in its mobile Termination Rates (MTRs) from the current Sh0.58 to Sh0.48 per minute.
The new rates take effect from March 01, 2024.
MTRs refers to charges levied by a mobile service provider on other telecommunication’s company, for terminating calls on its network.
Airtel’s move is in line with the Communication Authority’s decision to further reduce Mobile Termination Rates.
CA made the decision in exercising its statutory mandate under the Kenya Information and Communications Act.
Airtel bosses say the move reflects a commitment to fostering affordable communication and seamless connectivity, for the benefit of all Kenyan consumers.
Ashish Malhotra, Managing Director, Airtel Kenya, commented:
“We welcome and endorse the reduction of the Mobile Termination Rates, and as a result I am happy to announce reduction in the price points of Weekly and monthly Voice bundles. With this reduction, the bundles not only become more affordable but also brings in the convenience of having to buy one bundle for a longer duration where customers can Talk/Text bila worries to any Network.”
“In line with our commitment to enhancing communication accessibility, Airtel is actively expanding its network to enhance capacity, coverage, and quality. From Dec 2023 till now, we have deployed over 300 new sites, bringing our total tally of sites across the country to over 3700. This expansion underscores our dedication to providing superior services to our customers.”
“Historically, high termination rates have presented challenges for service providers in delivering flexible and affordable call rates across networks. Therefore, we hope that MTRs will continue to decrease for the utmost benefit of consumers,” he added.
With the revised MTR and network expansion, Airtel has revamped its Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans.
The pricing of their weekly and monthly Tubonge plans has been reduced, and SMS has been introduced as part of the packages to enable customers to talk and text more for less.
“We are delighted to introduce Airtel’s revamped Tubonge AllNet and Tubonge On Net plans, designed to deliver more affordability, flexibility and value to our customers in light of the reduced MTRs. Our weekly Tubonge AllNet bundle is now Sh80 for 100 minutes and 100 SMS across networks, while the monthly bundle is Sh250 for 300 minutes and 300 SMS,” said Prisca Murigu, Marketing Director, Airtel Kenya.
She said that for Tubonge On Net, the weekly bundle is Sh50 for 100 daily minutes and SMS, and the monthly is Sh150 for 100 daily minutes and SMS.