CAIRO: The National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), in concurrence with the Ministry of Communications, announced Tuesday that it will reduce the price of high-speed ADSL internet by more than 50 percent, according to a statement released to the press. The cost of ADSL for the 256 kilobits per second speed - used most commonly by subscribers in Egypt - will drop from LE 95 to LE 45, and the NTRA will limit monthly downloads to 2 gigabytes per month. The new rules will take effect in September. Amr Badawi, executive director of the NTRA, said in the press release that, "this will lead to improvements in the level of service and lower the prices for different speeds, adding that it will help providers cater to the needs of a larger number of citizens. By reducing the cost, the NTRA aims to increase internet usage in Egypt, currently estimated at 6.8 million, and to curb illegal line-sharing. Many households in Egypt now share internet connections, which results in lower quality and hinders efforts by providers to improve internet service. Moreover, line-sharing makes it more difficult to combat cyber crime because a different people use a line registered in someone else's name. Users can increase their download capacity for an additional monthly charge. "Companies will be free to price higher speeds, such as 512 kb/s, 1mb/s, and 1.5 mb/s, added Badawi. The new measures, namely the specification of monthly download limits, will help companies ensure their service is provided to individual households, and not the neighboring homes. "The price of 2 mb/s connection will remain at LE 760 with unlimited downloads as long as it is specifically used for companies or institutions.
