By Khumbo Kaliwo:
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has directed mobile and internet operators to phase out physical airtime and data scratch cards and migrate to digital alternatives within six months.
Macra Director General Daud Suleman said most of the operators already have digital top-up platforms.
“This is not a new initiative. What we have pushed is for fast-tracking the full adoption of digital ways of topping up airtime and internet,” Suleman said
Suleman added that apart from adapting advanced ways of technology, the decision to migrate to digital platforms will save forex used on importation of cards and will enhance environmental conservation.
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Airtel Malawi Managing Director Charles Kamoto said the process already started way back and as of today, over 80 percent of top ups are done digitally.
He said by December the migration process will be completed.
“Only 7 percent of our customers are still using scratch cards only and they do not touch the digital solutions, and for us it is a smaller challenge,” Kamoto said.
Consumers Association of Malawi Administration Manager Indota Mpatama said communication structures must be improved if the country is to embrace the transition.
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“Poor network in many areas is the main barrier. We just hope they will improve it and we hope they will sensitise the public on this,” Mpatama said
The implementation period of the migration is from May 1 to December, 31 2024.—Mana
