Telecom subscribers should be prepared  to pay more for calls within their networks from May this year.

In addition, subscribers will no longer enjoy  low tariffs and freebies extended to them as part of promotions from their network operators.

This is because of a directive from the National Communications Authority - the industry regulator - which restricts tariffs for on-net calls to go below 4 pesewas per minute.

However, not all the network operators are happy with the directive.

Director of External Affairs of Vodafone, Gayheart Mensah, told  Joy Business the new order by the NCA would present major challenges for both operators and subscribers.

According to him with a regulated retail pricing, the effect will be enormous on the consumer, noting that the low income subscribers would be most hit.

Currently, operators such as Tigo and Vodafone are offering their subscribes as low 1 pesewas per minute for calls made to subscribers on their networks.