Cheaper Calling Between African Nations

Celtel, which operates several GSM networks across Africa has announced a pan-African calling tariff for their customers. It was announced that the new tariffs are exclusively for Celtel customers calling other Celtel subscribers within East Africa. With the cellular company's infrastructure throughout the region Celtel subscribers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania can now enjoy special regional rates that are significantly lower than what was previously offered. The new rates will be billed in per-minute increments, and will apply to both pre-paid and post-paid tariff plans.

Speaking at the new tariffs launch in Dar es Salaam, Celtel Tanzania Managing Director, Steve Torode commented "today is an important milestone for Celtel and the people of East Africa. We are enabling our customers the ability to conduct business more efficiently throughout the region, whether they are large corporate clients, small and medium enterprises, traders or individual customers."

"What we are witnessing here today is our commitment to all customers living in East Africa. We believe in fulfilling the East African dream and bringing the region together. As we are the only mobile operator in all three countries we are in a unique position to become the business facilitator between Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya."

The New East Africa calling tariffs follow the group's investment in Kenya last year, which at US$250 million signaled the largest commercial agreement ever signed in Kenya and also positioned the company as the only mobile operator with a presence in all three East African countries. With the addition of 1.4 million subscribers in Kenya, Celtel was named the fastest growing brand in the fastest growing mobile telephony continent in the world.

Speaking at the East African inauguration last year, Celtel International Chief Operating Officer, Omari Issa made the promise to all in attendance that "covering the region is just the beginning because the opportunities are endless. Together we are going to play our part in the economic dream and develop telecommunications across the East African region as no other telecom company has done to date."

Posted to the site on 13th September 2005