In 6 months, Malawians will no longer use physical airtime and data scratch cards
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has given a 6-month period from 1st May to December, 2024 for mobile networks to phase out Physical Airtime and Data scratch cards.
MACRA Director General, Daud Suleman disclosed during a press conference in Lilongwe on Tuesday that the Authority has issued out a directive to the licence operators of mobile network and data to move from providing top-ups through scratching cards to use digital means of topping up.
“This is not a new initiative as most of mobile operators in the country are already providing digital top-ups but we have pushed for a fast tracking to fully adopt digital ways and means of topping up airtime as well as scratch cards,” he said.
Suleman added that during the period the Authority and licence operators will jointly ensure that there is maximum public awareness so that everyone in Malawi has the understanding of the exercise.
He assured that the network will be available and accessible in all parts of the country.
Airtel Malawi Managing Director, Charles Kamoto said the the company has deepened the penetrated of usage of digital solutions to recharge airtime or buy bundles in phones.
“At this stage we have already surpassed 80 per cent interns of usage of digital solutions to recharge phones,” he said.
In fact at customer level, Kamoto explained, only seven per cent are still using scratch cards saying the number is small and they will deal with it since there is adequate time.
Consumer Association of Malawi (CAMA) representative, Indota Mpatama called upon mobile network providers to bring mobile infrastructure closer to people especially in rural areas.
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