Internet cost still high—consumers
Mobile phone users have lamented high cost of data bundles in the country despite a recent reduction announced by two local mobile phone services providers, TNM and Airtel.
Random interviews by The Daily Times last week revealed that some customers were still feeling that the cost remained high.
One of the customers, Reign Maela from Blantyre said, since the announcement of the cost adjustment, she was yet to experience the difference.
“At first we could purchase a 550 mbs bundle at K600 and you could use it for some time, now we are buying that bundle at K650 but it doesn’t even last so there is no impact,” Maela said.
Another customer Macdonald Banda said using bundles off-peak hours seems cheaper.
ICT Association of Malawi President Bram Fudzulani said the recent reduction in data bundles was not adequate.
“While we applaud the decision by telecommunication componies and the government to lower the prices of selected data packages, we are still calling on the government to take decisive measures to make sure Malawians have equal access to digital tools,” Fudzulani said.
Minister of Information Gospel Kazako said the government was aware that data cost remained high which is also impinging on efforts towards creation of a digital economy.
“We are continuing to engage the companies fully knowing that our people, who are the consumers of their services, are suffering and complaining.
“We will continue to engage them to make sure that every Malawian will afford some service,” Kazako said.
