Mohamed Talaat, head of the Communications and Mobile Division of the General Federation of Chambers of Commerce, explained that mobile companies have submitted reports indicating increasing operational pressures, which calls for a review of recharge card prices. He pointed out that the current prices are still stable, and that there are no increases before the beginning of 2026, denying what was circulated about the existence of an intention to apply an immediate amendment within days.
Talaat stressed that any price movement must be done “with calculation and study” in order to maintain market balance and protect consumers, explaining that the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is the only entity legally authorized to approve any increase, while the role of the division is limited to technical follow-up and providing recommendations based on accurate data.
He added that any potential amendments will be gradual to avoid a “price shock,” noting that the telecommunications sector, which provides its services to more than 110 million subscribers, has witnessed successive increases in recent years as a result of rising operating costs and energy crises.
The Egyptian market consists of four major companies: “Vodafone Egypt,” “Orange Egypt,” “Etisalat Egypt,” and “WE of Telecom Egypt,” all of which are subject to the control of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to ensure a balance between the interests of companies and consumers.
It is worth mentioning that the sector witnessed significant increases at the end of 2023, ranging between 10 and 17% on call and internet services, due to the increase in fuel and electricity prices and the increase in value-added tax. In January 2024, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority approved raising the prices of scratch cards by up to 15%, while keeping the basic recharge cards without direct modification while reducing the actual balance value. (Russia Today)
