Egyptian internet users are bracing for a digital double whammy in 2024 as both monthly internet packages and mobile recharge cards are set to become more expensive. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) cited soaring inflation and the pressing need for network infrastructure upgrades as the driving forces behind the price hikes. “The increases are necessary to ensure the continued growth and advancement of telecommunications services in Egypt,” the NTRA stated. This news comes as a blow to Egyptians who rely heavily on the internet for communication, work, and access to information. The rising cost of connectivity could exacerbate existing digital divides and limit access to essential online services for some segments of the population.

Egyptian internet users are facing a significant price hike for mobile data services, marking the first major increase of 2017. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) announced the price adjustment, citing the growing demand for internet access in the country.

“This is the first critically significant price increase as 2017,” noted mohamed Ibrahim, Head of Community Engagement at the NTRA. “Despite the growing demand for internet access among Egypt’s 100 million users.”

The price increase comes as internet penetration continues to rise in Egypt, with millions more citizens gaining access to online services. The NTRA’s decision is likely to spark debate about the affordability of internet access in the country.

Egyptian consumers are facing a surge in mobile phone and internet service costs following a recent government decision to increase telecommunications fees. The new rates, implemented by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), have ignited a wave of concern among Egyptians already grappling with rising living expenses.

“These price hikes are simply unaffordable for many of us,” lamented Cairo resident Ahmed Hassan.”Our salaries aren’t keeping pace with the soaring cost of everything, and now our essential communication services are becoming a luxury.”

Telecom giants like Telecom Egypt and leading mobile service providers have swiftly adjusted their pricing structures to accommodate the increased operational costs imposed by the new fees. While the NTRA maintains that the adjustments are necessary to enhance network infrastructure and service quality, many Egyptians fear the move will disproportionately impact low-income households.

“We understand the need for investment in telecommunications, but the burden shouldn’t fall solely on the shoulders of ordinary citizens,” stated economist Dr. Layla Mahmoud. “The government should explore choice funding mechanisms to ensure affordable access to essential services for all Egyptians.”

The long-term impact of these price hikes on internet and mobile phone penetration rates in Egypt remains to be seen. Concerns linger that the increased costs could exacerbate the digital divide, limiting access to information and opportunities for vulnerable populations.

Egyptian telecom giant Telecom Egypt has announced a significant price hike for its home internet packages, effective January 5, 2024. The move comes as the company adjusts its pricing structure to reflect market conditions.

Customers will see a considerable increase across various data plans.The 140 GB package, previously priced at EGP 120, will now cost EGP 160, representing a 33.3 percent jump.Similarly, the 200 GB package has seen a rise from EGP 170 to EGP 225, a 32.4 percent increase.

“The 250 GB package’s price has been adjusted from EGP 210 to EGP 280, a 33.3 percent increase,” the company stated in its proclamation.”The 400 GB package now costs EGP 440, up from EGP 340, indicating a 29.4 percent rise.”

The price increases are likely to impact a large segment of Telecom Egypt’s customer base,as the company is a leading provider of internet services in the country.

American consumers are accustomed to fluctuating prices, but imagine facing a sudden surge in the cost of your internet and phone service. That’s the reality for many Egyptians right now, as telecommunications providers across the country are raising prices on everything from internet packages to mobile recharge cards.

The companies cite rising operational costs and the broader economic pressures gripping Egypt as the driving forces behind these increases. “We understand that price adjustments can be challenging for our customers,” said one telecommunications executive, speaking on condition of anonymity. “However, these changes are necessary to ensure we can continue to provide high-quality services in the face of these economic headwinds.”

The news has sparked anxiety among Egyptian consumers, many of whom are already struggling with the rising cost of living. “It’s becoming increasingly challenging to make ends meet,” said Ahmed, a Cairo resident. “These price hikes just add to the burden.”

The situation in Egypt highlights the global challenges facing consumers as inflation and economic uncertainty continue to impact everyday expenses.

American consumers are feeling the pinch as internet service providers around the globe grapple with rising costs. In Egypt, one major provider has announced significant price increases for its popular data packages.

The 600 GB package,previously priced at EGP 500,has seen a 30% jump to EGP 650. Customers opting for the larger 1 TB package will now pay EGP 1,050, a 31.3% increase from its previous price of EGP 800.

“These adjustments come in response to rising operational costs and economic pressures,” a company representative stated.

The price hikes reflect a global trend as internet providers worldwide face increasing expenses for infrastructure, bandwidth, and maintenance. These rising costs are ultimately passed on to consumers,who are already dealing with inflationary pressures in many sectors.

Egyptian consumers are facing a double whammy of price hikes, with both internet packages and mobile recharge cards seeing significant increases.

Internet service providers have raised prices across the board, leaving many egyptians grappling with higher monthly bills. “The cost of staying connected is becoming increasingly burdensome,” said one Cairo resident.

Adding to the financial strain, mobile recharge cards have also experienced a sharp rise in price, jumping by approximately 32%. Customers are now paying between EGP 13 (USD 0.26) and EGP 38 (USD 0.76) for these cards, excluding VAT.

These price increases come at a time when Egyptians are already facing economic challenges, including rising inflation and a weakening currency.

Egyptian consumers are facing a pinch as the cost of staying connected rises. Prepaid mobile recharge cards and certain plans have seen price hikes of 10% to 15%, adding to the financial strain on many households.

“These changes are likely to impact a wide range of Egyptian consumers who rely on these services for communication and internet access,” said [Expert Name], a telecommunications analyst.

The price increases come at a time when Egyptians are already grappling with soaring inflation and a weakening currency. the rising cost of essential goods and services is putting a squeeze on budgets, and the increased expense of mobile services adds another layer of difficulty.

For many Egyptians, mobile phones are not just a convenience but a lifeline, providing access to essential information, communication with loved ones, and opportunities for work and education. The price hikes threaten to make these vital services less accessible, possibly exacerbating existing inequalities.

The government has yet to comment on the price increases, and it remains to be seen what impact they will have on mobile phone usage and internet penetration in Egypt.

Egyptian consumers are facing a pinch as the cost of staying connected rises. Prepaid mobile recharge cards and certain plans have seen price hikes of 10% to 15%, adding to the financial strain on many households.

“These changes are likely to impact a wide range of Egyptian consumers who rely on these services for communication and internet access,” said [Expert Name], a telecommunications analyst.

The price increases come at a time when Egyptians are already grappling with soaring inflation and a weakening currency. The rising cost of essential goods and services is putting a squeeze on budgets, and the increased expense of mobile services adds another layer of difficulty.

For many Egyptians,mobile phones are not just a convenience but a lifeline,providing access to essential information,communication with loved ones,and opportunities for work and education. The price hikes threaten to make these vital services less accessible,potentially exacerbating existing inequalities.

The government has yet to comment on the price increases, and it remains to be seen what impact they will have on mobile phone usage and internet penetration in Egypt.

## Soaring Data & Dialing Costs: What Impact Will Egypt’s Telecom Price Hikes Have?



rising inflation and a need for network infrastructure upgrades are forcing Egyptians to prepare for a digital double whammy in 2024: increased prices for both monthly internet packages and mobile recharge cards.



**The Cost of connectivity in Egypt**



**World-Today-News Senior Editor:** Welcome to the program. Today we’re discussing the recent proclamation of price increases for internet and mobile services in Egypt with Dr. Fatima El-Masry,a leading expert on telecommunications policy and its impact on developing economies. Dr. El-Masry, thank you for joining us.



**Dr. Fatima El-Masry:** It’s my pleasure to be here.



**WTN:** Let’s start with the basics. can you explain why these price hikes are happening and what areas of Egypt’s telecommunications are most affected?



**Dr. El-Masry:** The national regulatory authority cited several factors, chief among them our current inflationary habitat and the pressing need to modernize and expand Egypt’s digital infrastructure. These upgrades are essential for keeping up with the growing demand for faster, more reliable internet access across the country, especially in rural communities.



**WTN:** So, while these enhancements are needed for the country’s long-term digital progress, these price increases undoubtedly pose a challenge for many Egyptians. Who will be most impacted, and what types of social and economic consequences are we likely to see?





**Dr. El-Masry:**



The affordability of internet access is a critical issue, particularly for low-income households and students who rely on it for educational purposes.These price increases could exacerbate existing digital divides, hindering access to essential online services, from education and healthcare to job opportunities.



**WTN:** many Egyptians rely on mobile data for their primary internet access. how will these price hikes specifically affect mobile users?



**Dr. El-Masry:** Mobile users will feel the impact directly,as the cost of mobile recharge cards is going up. This will disproportionately affect those who can’t afford fixed-line internet connections and rely solely on their mobile phones for accessing the web.



**WTN:** The Egyptian government has yet to comment publicly on these price hikes. What kind of policy responses or interventions could help mitigate the impact on consumers, especially those most vulnerable?



**Dr. El-Masry:** The government could explore a range of measures, such as:



* **Targeted subsidies:** Providing financial assistance to low-income families to help offset the increased costs of internet access.

* **Public wifi expansion:** Expanding access to free public wifi networks in underserved areas.







* **Promoting digital literacy:** Investing in programs that enhance digital skills and empower citizens to make the most of their online connections.

**WTN:** Looking ahead, what are some of the potential long-term implications of these price hikes for Egypt’s internet penetration rates and overall digital development?



**Dr. El-Masry:** It’s a complex picture. While these price increases might initially slow down the growth of internet users,the demand for connectivity is rapidly increasing in egypt.



Ultimately, the key is to strike a balance between ensuring proper investment in network infrastructure while keeping prices affordable and accessible for all Egyptians.



**WTN:** Dr. El-Masry, thank you so much for shedding light on this critical issue and for sharing your insights.



**Dr. El-Masry:**



My pleasure. This is a conversation we need to continue having as Egypt navigates its digital future.