The 40% increase in mobile internet tariffs has been implemented since the first day of Aban 1405. While operators like Hamrahe Aval, Irancell, and Rightel cite rising costs of network development and maintenance as the reason for this change, users express their dissatisfaction with the poor quality of services. The operators' initial request for a 100% increase in tariffs had raised significant concerns among consumers.
History of Price Increases and Pressure on Households
The history of rising mobile internet packages shows that these increases have been ongoing in recent years. In Azar 1404, internet tariffs rose by about 20%, and in Esfand of the same year, an additional 18% was added. Now, with the new increase, household communication costs have risen significantly.
Read more: Abolfazl Norouzi: The three-year ban on construction in Tehran will lead to housing inflation
Operators point to the rise in currency rates, sanctions, and increased costs of purchasing foreign equipment as the main reasons for price increases. Hamid Fattahi, head of the Regulatory Authority, has emphasized that the imbalance between operators' income and expenses has led to reduced investment and delays in network development. This issue has raised concerns among users about why they should pay more for services that are slow and unstable.
Consequences and Solutions
The increase in internet tariffs under current conditions can put significant pressure on household livelihoods, especially for students and low-income families. Online businesses and remote jobs are also more affected by this cost increase than others. In this context, critics are calling for a clear guarantee that the revenue from the tariff increases will be spent on improving service quality.
Maintaining a balance between the economic sustainability of operators and the financial capacity of the public is of special importance. It seems that keeping tariffs stable for a long time in an inflationary environment could weaken operators' investment capacity. Therefore, the government must adhere to its commitments to improve service quality while also considering measures to support consumers, such as providing economic packages for low-income groups.
Ultimately, an increase in tariffs alone cannot guarantee network development. Rather, the main issue is users' assurance of improved services in exchange for higher costs. Otherwise, the high cost of the internet will not mean the development of communications but rather a new burden on the digital lives of citizens.
Read more: 20% Increase in Ticket Prices for Passenger Trains in Aban · Extensive Fire at Elite Center After One Month of Operation
