The Syrian Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority, affiliated with the Ministry of Telecommunications in the regime’s government, recently made a decision to raise the fees for fixed telephone and internet services. This decision, which was published on the Authority’s Facebook account on Thursday, August 28, approved a 30% increase in fees for fixed telephone services and a 35% increase for internet services. The initial installation fees will remain unchanged, and there will be no increase in mobile communication service fees, as reported by the official Syrian news agency, SANA.
The new fees are set to take effect on Sunday, September 1, and detailed information regarding the revised fees for Syrian Telecom services will be made available on the Authority’s official website and social media pages. The Authority explained that the decision to raise fees was based on a study of Syrian Telecom’s financial data, which revealed significant financial burdens and expenses incurred by the company to ensure the continuous and satisfactory provision of fixed communication services to its subscribers.
This is not the first time that the Syrian Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority has adjusted prices for telecommunication services. In February, a decision was issued to adjust the prices of Syrian Telecom services and internet providers, with a 35% increase imposed on basic communication services and value-added services. The Authority justified this decision by citing the rise in operational and foundational costs for Syrian Telecom, emphasizing the need to ensure the company’s continued provision of services.
In addition to the fee increases for fixed telephone and internet services, Syrian Telecom also introduced new services such as „Tarassul TV,“ fiber internet, and data transfer services at the beginning of March. The Authority’s efforts to enhance and expand services come amidst a challenging economic environment and ongoing conflict in the region.
The price adjustments have not been limited to fixed services, as Syrian cellular companies also raised prices for packages containing calls and internet in early February. The price of an 80 GB internet package, for example, increased significantly, reflecting the broader trend of rising costs for communication services in Syria.
The decision to raise fees for fixed telephone and internet services has sparked discussions and debates among Syrian citizens, who are already grappling with economic hardships and limited access to essential services. The impact of these fee increases on the general population remains to be seen, but it is clear that the Syrian Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority’s decision will have significant implications for consumers and businesses alike.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for stakeholders to closely monitor developments in the telecommunications sector in Syria and assess the broader implications of these fee adjustments on the economy and society as a whole. The Syrian Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority’s decision underscores the complex challenges facing the country’s telecommunications industry and the need for sustainable solutions to ensure the continued provision of essential services to the Syrian population.
