By Wendy Mkandawire
Malawi government says it will explore licensing additional mobile network operators to address limited competition, high data prices, and poor network quality.
The minister of information and digitalization Technology Honourable Dr Shadreck Namalomba told Parliament that the proposal will be considered after Rumphi Central parliamentarian Engineer Dr. Matthews Mtumbuka raised concerns that Malawi’s two major operators have for a long time led to expensive voice calls and data bundles charges to consumers, as well as unstable services.
Mtumbuka said more operators are needed to meet growing demand and make services affordable and efficient.
Mtumbuka argued that with only two mobile network operators in the country, there is little competition, allowing providers to increase service prices at will, while customers continue to experience unstable network services despite the high charges they pay.
He said Malawi’s growing population and rising demand for internet and mobile communication require diverse service providers to give citizens options, which he said would facilitate lower prices and improve quality.
Malawi currently has only two major mobile network providers, with consumers frequently complaining about expensive data bundles and inconsistent service.
Recently the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) directed Airtel Malawi Plc and Telecom Networks Malawi Plc to compensate customers affected by premature implementation of revised telecommunications tariffs that were implemented without the required notice.
