Raising Telecom Service Prices Significantly in the Areas of the Interim Government in Syria

Telecommunication companies in the areas controlled by the Interim Government in Syria announced today a substantial increase in the prices of their services, reaching up to 1100% in some packages, which sparked widespread protests among residents who rely on low-cost daily bundles.

Sources said that the companies replaced the old daily bundles, which used to cost about 500 Syrian pounds, with new ones priced between 6,000 and 24,000 pounds, offering fewer services than before. Users described this as “a significant financial burden on residents, especially students and low-income employees.” Some students pointed out that a monthly internet bundle now costs about 180,000 pounds, which is equivalent to around 20% of the salary of a permanently employed worker in the Interim Government.

Observers clarified that the main telecommunications companies in the region include “Syriatel” and “MTN,” and that any administrative or financial changes to the two companies were supposed to undergo legal disclosure according to local laws, which did not officially happen in some cases.

The price hike, following the recent increase in electricity costs, has sparked residents’ anger on social media platforms, amid fears of continued price rises in essential services.