BY BLAIR MHONE
Gospel Kazako, the Minister of Information and Digitalization, has told Parliament today that the recently introduced affordable data bundles by the country’s two leading mobile service providers are not a one-time measure, but rather a long-term strategy to make internet access more affordable to the general public.
In recent days, social media platforms have been flooded with rumors that TNM and Airtel Malawi’s affordable data packages, Pamtsetse and Mofaya Unlimited Data Bundles, may be phased out in three months.
Responding to queries from members of Parliament, the minister categorically denied the rumors saying “Mobille companies introduced the affordable bundles as a response to ongoing engagement with government over concerns by Malawians on expensive internet prices.”
The two mobile providers introduced the new affordable data bundles for its customers to use internet packages throughout prescribed period of their choice.
Kazako’s response is also in line with the Tonse Alliance administration’s goal to make internet access cheap to all Malawians, with ICT services being identified as one of the primary drivers of modern economics.
In his State of Nation Address (SONA) on 3rd February 2022, President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera, shared to Malawians an initiative on increased access to information through provision of affordable internet services.
The president at the time said his administration had successfully negotiated for 75% reduction in internet services.
