The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has demanded the immediate reversal of recent mobile data tariff hikes by Airtel Malawi and TNM, accusing the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) of approving the increases in violation of communications laws and at the expense of consumers.
In a strongly worded statement, CAMA Executive Director John Kapito accused MACRA of approving the tariff hikes in violation of the Communications Act, saying the regulator authorized the adjustments despite persistent concerns over the quality of mobile network services across the country.
Kapito argued that approving higher data bundle prices was premature, as consumers continue to experience frequent dropped calls, slow internet speeds, disappearing data bundles, and unreliable network connectivity.
He further alleged that MACRA failed to comply with legal requirements by allowing the new tariffs to take effect without providing consumers with the mandatory seven days’ notice stipulated under the law.
According to Kapito, the failure to provide adequate public notice denied consumers the opportunity to prepare for the increased costs or raise objections before the new tariffs were implemented.He said Malawians are already grappling with rising living costs and should not be forced to pay more for telecommunications services that continue to fall below acceptable standards.
Kapito also noted that consumers have recently been affected by new taxes on mobile money transactions and other communication-related charges, making the increase in internet data prices even more burdensome.
He stressed that before any tariff adjustments are approved, mobile network operators should first demonstrate significant improvements in service delivery, while MACRA should ensure that consumers’ rights are fully protected.
CAMA has therefore urged the communications regulator to reverse its decision and engage all relevant stakeholders, including consumer groups, before approving any future tariff adjustments.
The association also called for greater transparency in the regulation of the telecommunications sector, insisting that consumers deserve affordable, reliable, and high-quality communication services.The statement comes just days after MACRA issued a public clarification defending the recent adjustments to mobile data bundle tariffs.
The regulator maintained that the price increases were necessary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications sector, arguing that mobile network operators require adequate revenue to continue investing in network infrastructure and improving service delivery.
However, CAMA maintains that any tariff increases should only be implemented after tangible improvements in service quality have been achieved and in full compliance with the Communications Act.
The latest disagreement underscores growing concerns over the affordability of digital services in Malawi, where access to affordable internet has become increasingly essential for education, business, communication, and access to government and financial services.
As pressure from consumer rights advocates continues to mount, attention is now focused on whether MACRA will reconsider its decision or maintain its position on the controversial tariff increases.
