MZUZU – Rising mobile internet costs are placing growing pressure on students and young people in Mzuzu, with many saying expensive data bundles are limiting access to online learning, job opportunities and other essential digital services.
Virginia Bulawayo, a student at the University of Livingstonia’s Kaning’ina Campus, said internet connectivity has become indispensable in higher education, but rising costs are making it harder for students to keep pace with their studies.
“A K2,000 seven-day data bundle used to last four or five days, but now it is exhausted within just two days. This is becoming very difficult for students who depend on the internet for their studies,” she said.
Another University of Livingstonia student, Glyn Kunta, said the high cost of mobile data has forced many students to reduce the time they spend online despite increasing academic demands.
“School is already challenging. Students should not also be worrying about how to afford internet access. We constantly ask our parents and guardians for money to buy data bundles so that we can complete assignments,” Kunta said.
Mzuzu University student Eselen Mwamande said many learners are now faced with difficult financial choices just to remain connected.Zambia Reduces Internet Data Bundle Prices
“It has become a choice between food and education. Some students cut spending on meals just to afford internet bundles. Although the university provides Wi-Fi, many students compete for the service because mobile internet has become too expensive,” he said.
Young graduate Martin Nkhata said the rising cost of internet services has also affected unemployed and self-employed youth who rely on digital platforms to search for jobs and grow businesses.
“Many organisations now advertise employment opportunities online. Because internet access is expensive, I can only spend a few minutes checking my email before disconnecting. The high cost also limits opportunities for self-employment that require regular internet access,” he said.
Nkhata appealed to the government and other stakeholders to explore measures that would make internet services more affordable, arguing that digital connectivity has become a basic necessity rather than a luxury.
The concerns come after the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) approved a 26 percent increase in mobile data tariffs, a move that has drawn criticism from some stakeholders who fear it could widen the digital divide, particularly among students and young people.CAMA Demands MACRA to Reverse Airtel and TNM Data Tariff Hikes Over Alleged Legal Violations
Despite the concerns, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Dr. Shadric Namalomba recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding digital access, saying Malawi aims to increase internet penetration to 80 percent within the next three years as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
