By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Government has announced plans to invite bids for a third mobile network operator as part of its strategy to enhance competition and improve telecommunications services across the country.

The initiative is expected to attract a credible investor capable of expanding mobile network infrastructure, improving service delivery and increasing consumer choice in the telecommunications sector.

Speaking in Parliament, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Dr. Shadric Namalomba said President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has authorised the ministry to begin the process of identifying a serious investor with the financial and technical capacity to roll out a nationwide mobile network without unnecessary delays.

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Namalomba said the government is determined to ensure that the country’s telecommunications sector continues to grow through increased private sector investment and effective utilisation of available spectrum.

He explained that previous attempts to introduce additional mobile network operators had not achieved the intended results because some licence holders acquired spectrum but failed to establish commercial operations.

According to the minister, the government’s decision to revoke some of those licences was necessary after the companies failed to meet the conditions attached to their operating permits.

He said some of the affected companies later took legal action against the government, seeking compensation for the revoked licences.

Namalomba noted that the experience had prompted the government to adopt a more rigorous approach in selecting the next mobile network operator.

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He said the new licensing process will prioritise investors with a proven track record, sufficient financial resources and the technical expertise required to deploy infrastructure and begin operations within a reasonable period.

The minister stressed that government wants an operator that will make full and productive use of the allocated spectrum rather than allowing valuable telecommunications resources to remain idle.

He added that increased competition in the telecommunications market is expected to improve the quality of mobile services, expand network coverage, encourage innovation and offer consumers more competitive pricing.

The planned introduction of a third mobile network operator is also expected to support Malawi’s broader digital transformation agenda by strengthening connectivity and promoting greater access to communication services across the country.

If successfully implemented, the initiative could reshape the country’s telecommunications landscape by creating a more competitive market that benefits consumers, businesses and the economy as a whole.

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