Mobile Phone Charging Cards in Egypt Set for 15% Price Increase

Head of the Communications and Mobile Division at the Union of Chambers of Commerce, Mohamed Talaat, confirmed that mobile phone charging cards across all four telecommunications companies in Egypt will see a 15% price hike. The price increase, which is awaiting approval from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), will affect all available charging card categories, including the widely used 100-pound card. Under the new pricing structure, the 100-pound card will now provide a balance of 45 pounds, down from the current 60 pounds. Talaat explained that this adjustment applies to all telecommunications services, including internet access, citing the rising operating costs, particularly the increased prices of petroleum products.

In a related development, Talaat also discussed the implementation of a new decision to regulate the importation of mobile phones. Under this decision, mobile phones entering Egypt without the required fees will be switched off, with the enforcement set to begin soon after the decision is officially issued.

As part of the new rules, individuals bringing mobile phones into Egypt from abroad will need to obtain a permit from the NTRA, which will charge a 5% service fee based on the value of the mobile device. Additionally, phones imported through companies will be subject to several fees, including a 10% customs fee, a 15% value-added tax, a 5% development fee, and the aforementioned 5% service fee.

Talaat clarified that the new regulations will only apply to newly imported phones and will not affect devices that are already in the country.