MTN’s new international roaming tariffs – for both voice and data – have come into effect.

This follows an announcement at the beginning of April that the operator would launch cheaper rates for certain African countries.

MTN says the reduction of rates reflects its commitment to promoting cost-efficient communications. “One of the biggest challenges to consumers when they travel abroad is the cost of roaming services and an overwhelming phone bill when they r eturn back home,” says Serame Taukobong, chief marketing officer at MTN SA.

Taukobong says MTN SA has worked “tirelessly with Europe and Southern African Development Community operators to provide cheaper and more convenient roaming options throughout these regions.

MTN says its customers in Africa will not be charged for receiving calls, while roaming in the MTN SEA region and they are able to recharge using foreign currency, while using their South African MTN SIM card seamlessly. Reduced call rates apply to MTN PayAsYouGo and TopUP subscribers, while contract customers now get reduced call and data rates.