One Africa, one rate

TELECOMS

By Omondi Julius Odera, Kampala Uganda

Airtel Uganda has introduced new, harmonised calling rates to all African destinations, cutting costs for Ugandans who communicate with family, friends and business associates across the continent. Airtel customers can call any destination in Africa for 10/- per second.

Calls within East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, DRC) as well as calls to Nigeria and South Africa will cost even less, at 6/- per second.

Previously, customers were paying between 450/- to 1500/- per minute to call many of the African destinations, making these new rates from Airtel the best available.

Commenting on the new rates, Somasekhar VG., Managing Director of Airtel Uganda, said: “We believe the time for Africa is now and, as such, Airtel is committed to connecting the continent and breaking any cross-border communication barriers through providing affordable communication. Africa has experienced rapid economic growth over the last decade and this offer will allow Ugandans to capitalise on this growth. The lower rates will not only allow Ugandans to talk more, the increased communication will also play a role in promoting trade and commerce across Africa.”

The importance of connecting the Ugandan population to the rest of the continent is recognized by both corporate as well as the government.

Speaking at the launch event, Hon. Ruhakana Rugunda, Uganda’s Minister of ICT, explained that the reality of closing the communication divide in Africa is only going to be made possible when we respond to the growing need for people to communicate by providing innovative and advanced ICT solutions that make mobile telephony and other communication available and affordable to all. He added that the launch of Airtel’s One Africa One Rate, which envisages a uniform charge for all calls made to African countries from an Airtel number, will go a long way in bringing African together.