Macra says fees for phone numbers to be covered by service providers: ‘Companies to pass it to consumers’
Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has clarified that the K120 annual subscription fees for all phone numbers will be covered by Licensees (service providers) and not subscribers.
The National Numbering Plan and the draft Numbering Fees Schedule which is currently under discussion at a Macra Consultative workshop in Lilongwe attracted reaction from Malawians who were against paying the annual fee.
Macra acting director-general Henry Silika said the annual subscription fee for mobile numbers is in line with the changing technology comprising 4G and latest 5G.
However, while Macra will charge the operators the numbering fee, the service providers have indicated that same fee will be passed on to consumers.
The introduction of the fee is to ensure efficient use of numbering resources and prevent hoarding tendencies.
Silika said the move is also aimed at curbing fraud by unscrupulous individuals who buy and use phone numbers to scam unsuspecting subscribers.
Silika said the fees are already being implemented in countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa among others and Malawi has been lagging.
The Communications Act (2016) on Section 87 as read with section 89(5), gives powers to Macra to regulate all electronic communication numbering resource and ensure efficient and effective use.
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Zafika pa uchitsiru zinthuzi
We know these service providers. They are milking customers. They will easily transfer this cost to customer through increase in airtime, bundle or other charges. They will still be making the 600% profit they are making.
south africa yake iti mufuna muzingowabela anthu kulibe kulipira sim card kuno ndipo kuno sim card ndi ya ulele sitimagulanso ayi mumati mufuna muwathandize anthu kuwathandiza kwake ndikumeneku mungokhalira kuwabela anthu zinthu mungokhalira kukweza miitengo come 2025 muzazindikila mutachosedwa muyesa a malawi akugona ndi m’busa wanu chakwela wa chabe chabeyo ntchito kungokhalira kuwabela amphawi
Eeee mwangosowa pokawira ndalama za anthu ndithu. Zoopusa zimene mukambirana ndikumadya ma allowance. Zazii. Ine ndi kuno ku RSA for 18 years chiliko chimenecho mumangonena osafufuza kaya bwanji chimene ndikudziwa ndi TV liyisensi komanso sitonse. Osati phone. Mwasowa chochita eti. Mwina kumatchange ma service provider wo osati anthu ndi maphone awo. Kufunanso kupondereza ufulu wokhala ndi phone. Game yagona plan A fail go to plan B. That’s why TNM ilikulikonse mu Africa kupatula ku Malawi chifukwa cha malamulo ena opusa ngati awa. Mumathamangitsa ma investors kaya. Pangani Radio Debate mumve maganizo anthu osamangopanga impose.
boma ili mmmm pofika zaka five zinthu zitavuta
koma boma latipezelela ndithu
I have no doubt that MACRA already receives hefty “fees” from all telecomms players. The problem is that there’s corporate greed in Malawi which left to flourish due to compliant Boards, an inept Cabinet and an effective CAMA. Management want hefty salaries, and excessive benefits. You can see it in the banking sector, the retail sector and it has now reached the parastatals, including regulatory bodies such as the Malawi Accountants Board (MAB). This unbridled greed is squeezing the consumer and will retard development. In the case of professional organisations, greed by regulatory and membership associations will restrict the growth… Read more »