Nine major mobile operators in 48 countries across Africa and the Middle East are to cut cost for subscribers across both regions, the GSM Association has said.
The nine mobile operators, Bharti Airtel, Etisalat Group, Millicom, MTN Group, Ooredoo Group, Orange, STC Group, Vodafone Group and Zain Group, jointly account for over 500 million mobile connections across 48 countries in Africa and the Middle East.
Apart from reducing roaming cost, the operators are also taking the initiatives to improve connection and mobility. The effects of these efforts will enable consumers in Africa and the Middle East to use their mobile phones with greater confidence and predictability while travelling.
“International and regional mobility is a critical factor in increasing trade and cross-border economic co-operation, which is a government priority across Africa and the Middle East,” Anne Bouverot, Director General, GSMA, said. “The initiatives of these nine operators are intended to serve to increase connectivity and make mobile more affordable for subscribers throughout these regions, encouraging greater adoption and usage of mobile services and enabling important socio-economic benefits.”
“Mobile is focused on connecting the billions of unconnected around the world, providing access to critical communications, information and services and offering new economic opportunities. Market dynamics are delivering more affordable roaming prices and better value for consumers. Within both regions this will be driven in particular by the move from voice to more price elastic data usage,” Bouverot added.
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