Telecommunications could become cheaper from August this year following a proposal by Telkom to reduce prices, acting chief executive Reuben September said on Wednesday.
”The proposed price reductions will not only ensure more savings for our existing customers but will also attract new entrants to the broadband experience,” he said.
September said that according the regulatory formula, Telkom could have increased its prices by 8,7% but is instead filing for an overall price decrease of 1,2%.
”While the net impact of the proposed prices will vary among customers, the overall effect will be a reduction in the cost of telecommunications in South Africa,” September said.
The main beneficiaries of the proposed price changes would be DSL users, he said.
The package would also include a 10% decrease in long-distance call charges.
Calls to neighbouring countries would see an average decrease of 15% during peak times and 19% during global off-peak times.
The minimum charge for local calls would remain unchanged at 59,4 cents, including VAT.
”Having complied with regulatory prescriptions, Telkom is confident that our proposed price changes will be approved by Independent Communications Authority of SA. — Sapa