Macra eyes internet pacts with neighbouring countries
Regulatory Authority (Macra) Director General (DG) Daud Suleman says the organisation has engaged neighbouring countries on the possibility of carrying internet traffic for Malawi at lower costs.
Suleman was responding to a question on what his organisation is doing in the wake of reports that only four percent of Malawi’s population enjoys access to the internet, such that there is low penetration of internet services among Malawians.
“We are implementing a project, titled ‘Diplomatic Data Corridors’, with Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique. We are ready to sign agreements that will give us cheaper data through fibre network,” Suleman said.
He also said the licencing of new players such as Malcel and Nyasa Mobile is expected to increase competition among telecommunications industry players.
The Macra DG further said the licencing of StarLink will bring cheaper broadband internet through satellite services.
Suleman said there is a plan to double internet penetration to 40 percent in three years.
A National Statistical Office study has established that 86 percent of the country’s population has no access to the internet.
