Internet users slam TNM over data reduction claims
Internet users have slammed telecommunications provider, TNM for announcing that it has reduced data cost by 70 per cent when in fact internet charges remain exorbitantly high.
The internet users say what TNM has reduced is what is called ‘pay as you go,’ a facility a user uses direct airtime and not data bundle which most users use.
TNM chief executive officer Michiel Buitelaar made the announcement on Friday during the launch of the new 4G smartphone.
But minister of Information Gospel Kadzako was cautious, saying he would comment after listening to reactions of the users themselves.
“We represent the users, so, let me wait for their reactions first,” he said.
However, an expert in the field said the reduction of the ‘pay as you go’ has not brought down data charges in the country.
“On pay as you go, TNM charged K25/MB. This means when you are brousing in pay as you go, for IGB, you pay K25,600.
“Now with a 70 per cent reduction means from K25 less, K17.5 we will pay K7.50. Now for 1 GB we now have to payK7,680. The same costs K2,500 on bundles,” he says.
Airtel chief executive officer Charles Kamoto said the company has listened carefully to the concerns on the high data costs in the country and will respond in due course.
Malawians have in the past weeks taken up in various social media platforms to demand the reduction of internet costs in what they have dubbed data bundle must fall.
They are demanding that internet providers; Airtel and TNM reduce the data charges on internet.
Kazako told Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) to engage mobile phone operators on the issue.
He said internet charges in Malawi are far much expensive compared to neighbouring countries such as Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia.
ICT Association of Malawi president Bram Fudzulani said the demands to reduce internet data bundle is long overdue.
“As part of such calls, ICT players are currently meeting with Macra as well as Competition and Fair Trade to force the network providers treat this matter with urgency and seriousness,” he said.
The World Bank has cited high taxation as one of the major factors behind exorbitant internet charges in the country.
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I have tried the pay-as-you-go thing, ooooo no! I am very very disappointed. It is still very expensive and not value for the money. Phone units are getting depleted faster like never before. Please Tonse government help us by reducing data bundle charges and not this pay-as-you-go crap.
The current business set up is that of exploitation. Especially for the corporates. There is no sanity whatsoever. Somehow government seemed to protect the interest of these corporates. This inclination towards pure capitalism cannot work in an economy like Malawi. Actually we are so vulnerable to allow this kind of exploitation.
Data yotsikayo ndiye ma video amaliseche titopa nawotu! Nanga mmene ikuduliramu daily kulandira ma cjip azimai akuseweresa katundu wao tisanawafunse? Ayi MACRA data isatsike, ndipo mukweze, ife tikufuna tikalowe kumwamba tatopa kuona Maliseche onyasa. Nanga mmene alili maliseche a cash Madame muja kupangitsa nseru bwanji ?
Uli nazo za DPP kusolola-gate, cadet
We need more competitors in this industry because they feel higher since only them.
Heard MTN to have a branch here in Malawi from South Africa, we need that to be done soon as possible. On other hand this why corruption is so high at Macra because they get a lot of money from the power. Shameless people, don’t you even take examples from our neighbouring countries. This chief here too is talking with no shame. Data is so expensive. Kazako we need this to be changed.
Instead TNM has introduced a fee of K15.00 on balance enquiry
I second your idea, more players would help bring stiffer competition hence reduction in costs to woe more customers. I urge our govt to bring strong competitors like MTN, Vodacom and Mascom
This white thief is not even ashamed of himself… does his country charge such exorbitant fee on internet? Why do we really have these racists as CEOs of Malawian Companies? Do you really think a white man can have an interest of a poor black man?