Mobile network operators (MNO) in Malawi engaged with the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) with a view to reduce data costs in the country, following concerns from consumers.
Following the meeting, MNOs agreed to reduce the cost of 1GB data bundles by 30%, while the cost of tariffs up to 4GB will be lowered by between 10% and 31%. The price changes became effective on 22 April.
A MACRA statement says that they were ordered by the Ministry of information and Technology to engage the MNOs to revise the data prices more specifically the lower volume bundles which are commonly used by the majority of internet users in the country.
“The Communications Authority would like to assure the public that it is committed to ensuring that services delivered are affordable and of good quality,” said MACRA.
The Minister of Information, Gospel Kazako, expressed delight at Airtel Malawi, one of the country’s leading operators, who reduced the Pay-As-You-Go tariffs, but still urged the MNO to do more to accord Malawians affordable ICT services.
The Minister also pointed out that MNOs should not put expiry dates for bundles, saying consumers should be left to decide when they can use their data bundles.
