Telkom reduces global call rates to Sh2 in offer

A Telkom Orange shop in Nairobi. Photo/FILE  Nation Media Group

By Okuttah Mark

In Summary

• The telco’s customers can now make calls to the United States, Canada, China and India for Sh2 per minute, down from the previous Sh3 per minute.
• Telkom Kenya chief executive Mickael Ghossein said that the move is informed by the company’s need to increase its minutes of usage.
• Orange subscribers have to top up at least Sh100 and follow instructions after dialling #123# to activate the offer that expires on December 15.

Telkom Kenya has cut its tariffs for international calls to four countries which have major trade, education, and tourism ties with Kenya.

The telco’s customers can now make calls to the United States, Canada, China and India for Sh2 per minute, down from the previous Sh3 per minute.

Telkom, which operates the Orange brand, has sweetened the new offer with free data on the bundle purchased.

The offer gives Orange pre-paid customers increased talk time at affordable rates compared to its rivals.

Safaricom charges Sh5 to Canada, China, India and US while Airtel charges Sh4 per minute for the same destinations.

Telkom Kenya chief executive Mickael Ghossein said that the move is informed by the company’s need to increase its minutes of usage.

“We are constantly tailoring our offers with our customers in mind and aim to deliver more value and satisfaction to them, as evidenced by this call rate offer that is the lowest in the market,” said Mr Ghossein.

Orange subscribers have to top up at least Sh100 and follow instructions after dialling #123# to activate the offer that expires on December 15.

Each bundle has a 30 day validity period from the date of purchase and comes with free access to Wikipedia and Facebook Zero.

Telkom’s minutes of usage in the three months to March stood at 96 million compared to Safaricom with 5.7 billion, Airtel (838.3 million), and yu (554.8 million).