Ateny defends telecom tariff increase, cites need to prevent countrywide shutdown

Information Minister Ateny Wek Ateny has defended the government’s approval of a telecommunications tariff increase, stating that the price adjustment was necessary to prevent a total nationwide shutdown of mobile and internet networks.

Speaking on state television (SSBC) on Friday, Minister Ateny disclosed that telecom operators—including MTN, Zain, and Digitel—had planned to shut down approximately 107 mobile network stations nationwide.

The operators initially targeted 27 station closures in Western Equatoria State in September before escalating to a total network shutdown by December 2026.

The operators faced heavy financial losses caused by surging operating costs, fuel expenses, and currency depreciation. Minister Ateny noted that while he initially rejected requests for price hikes, the threat of widespread service disruption prompted the government to align tariffs with current market conditions.

“The three companies planned to shut down approximately 107 mobile network stations, which would undoubtedly have a negative impact on citizens,” Minister Ateny said.

“Over the past two years, the telecommunications companies had been investing heavily in the market and incurring significant losses. To prevent them from ceasing operations, we agreed to the price increase to align with market conditions.”

To stabilize the telecom sector, the National Communications Authority (NCA) introduced a phased tariff exchange rate adjustment, culminating in the final rate structure implemented on August 17, 2026.