Safaricom Limits Free Reverse Calls to Two Per Day

Safaricom PLC has unveiled notable changes to its popular reverse call service, a feature that has been essential for many subscribers since its launch in 2019.

The telecommunications giant announced that the reverse call service will continue to be available but with a new limitation: users will now only receive two free reverse calls per day. This update is a shift from the previous unlimited access to free reverse calls.

Charges Beyond Two Free Calls

Addressing concerns from users on X, Safaricom clarified that after the first two free reverse calls in a day, any additional reverse calls will be charged. "The reverse call service remains active. However, the initiator of the reverse call will be billed starting from the third request of the day, provided the sponsor accepts the call," the company stated.

This adjustment means that while the first two reverse calls remain complimentary, subsequent calls will incur the standard call rates, as long as the receiver agrees to accept the charges. The company further assured, "Beyond the third request, the initiator will not bear any extra costs for using the service for the remainder of the day."

How to Reverse Call 

Safaricom's reverse call service enables customers to make calls without airtime, with the call cost transferred to the receiver. All Safaricom users are eligible to use this feature. To initiate a reverse call, customers simply dial # followed by the recipient's number (e.g., #07123456789).

Once the receiver answers, they will hear a prompt asking them to either accept or decline the call. Pressing 1 will accept the call and charge the receiver at the normal rate. If the call is declined or goes unanswered, it will be disconnected without any charges to either party.

The Growth and Impact of Reverse Call Service

Since its introduction, the reverse call service has become increasingly popular among Safaricom users. A 2023 report by Safaricom highlighted that the daily usage of the reverse call service has grown substantially. The volume of reverse calls surged from 73 million to 130 million between April 2021 and October 2023, demonstrating the service's significant impact on customer communication.