Govt justifies internet hike

Minister of information, Shadric Namalomba has told Parliament that mobile network operators Airtel Malawi and TNM said the recent increase in internet data bundle prices was caused by rising fuel and electricity costs.

Namalomba said the government remains committed to protecting Malawians’ right to access the internet by ensuring online services remain accessible and affordable.

He acknowledged that many Malawians are concerned about the increase in data bundle prices.

However, he said the current prices in Malawi are still lower than those in some other countries in the Southern African region.

Meanwhile ,Namalomba said that in neighbouring Zambia, 1 GB of internet data costs about US$1, which is approximately K14,000 in Malawi currency.