MTN launches regional network
A combined 10 million subscribers connected to MTN Uganda, Safaricom Kenya and Vodacom Tanzania can now communicate within the three East African countries without paying roaming charges.
By Sylvia Juuko
in Nairobi
A combined 10 million subscribers connected to MTN Uganda, Safaricom Kenya and Vodacom Tanzania can now communicate within the three East African countries without paying roaming charges.
This follows the launch of an East African network in which subscribers of the three networks will make local and international calls on their current tariffs when they travel within the region.
In other words, Ugandan MTN subscribers can call subscribers of any of the three networks in Kenya or Tanzania at the cost of a local phone call. Also, when in Kenya or Tanzania, an MTN user can phone home at the price of a local call.
Subscribers of the three operators can also top up their pre-paid accounts in any of the three countries. The new service was yesterday launched by Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya’s communication minister at Nairobi Serena Hotel.
“All our subscribers have to do is travel with their Safaricom, MTN or Vodacom simcards across the three East African countries and make calls, divert calls to voicemail or retrieve messages just like they do at home,†said Michael Joseph who heads Safaricom Kenya.
Joseph, flanked by the chief of Vodacom Tanzania, Romeo Kumalo, and MTN boss Noel Meier, revealed that plans were underway to extend the service to other countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Southern Africa. Meier announced tests were being carried out in Rwanda.
“We have started testing MTN Rwanda. This arrangement can be done with any operator as long as we reach an agreement,†he said.
Kagwe noted that mobile telephony had improved communication and mobility across the East African borders, which were crucial for economic integration.
“With the launch of the East African network, the flow of information which is essential for making the regional market-based systems work, will be facilitated.â€
Safaricom has 5 million subscribers, Vodacom Tanzania 3 million, while MTN Uganda has just below 2 million subscribers.
Kuwaiti-owned Celtel dropped roaming charges for its subscribers last September.
in Nairobi
A combined 10 million subscribers connected to MTN Uganda, Safaricom Kenya and Vodacom Tanzania can now communicate within the three East African countries without paying roaming charges.
This follows the launch of an East African network in which subscribers of the three networks will make local and international calls on their current tariffs when they travel within the region.
In other words, Ugandan MTN subscribers can call subscribers of any of the three networks in Kenya or Tanzania at the cost of a local phone call. Also, when in Kenya or Tanzania, an MTN user can phone home at the price of a local call.
Subscribers of the three operators can also top up their pre-paid accounts in any of the three countries. The new service was yesterday launched by Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya’s communication minister at Nairobi Serena Hotel.
“All our subscribers have to do is travel with their Safaricom, MTN or Vodacom simcards across the three East African countries and make calls, divert calls to voicemail or retrieve messages just like they do at home,†said Michael Joseph who heads Safaricom Kenya.
Joseph, flanked by the chief of Vodacom Tanzania, Romeo Kumalo, and MTN boss Noel Meier, revealed that plans were underway to extend the service to other countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Southern Africa. Meier announced tests were being carried out in Rwanda.
“We have started testing MTN Rwanda. This arrangement can be done with any operator as long as we reach an agreement,†he said.
Kagwe noted that mobile telephony had improved communication and mobility across the East African borders, which were crucial for economic integration.
“With the launch of the East African network, the flow of information which is essential for making the regional market-based systems work, will be facilitated.â€
Safaricom has 5 million subscribers, Vodacom Tanzania 3 million, while MTN Uganda has just below 2 million subscribers.
Kuwaiti-owned Celtel dropped roaming charges for its subscribers last September.