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By Suleman Chitera

The Consumers Association of Malawi has given MACRA seven days to reverse Airtel Malawi and TNM data tariff hikes, alleging the increases violate the Communications Act of 2016.

The Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has called on the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to immediately withdraw the recently approved mobile data bundle tariff increases by Airtel Malawi and TNM, arguing that the price hikes were implemented in breach of the Communications Act of 2016.

In a statement, CAMA Executive Director John Kapito said the regulator approved the tariff adjustments despite persistent concerns over poor network quality and without complying with legal requirements that consumers be given at least seven days’ notice before such changes take effect.Analysis of MACRA Spyware: Pegasus?

Kapito said the tariff increases have placed an additional financial burden on Malawians who are already struggling with rising living costs and declining quality of mobile communication services.

“These adjustments come at a time when consumers are facing dropped calls, loss of data bundles, and new taxes on mobile transactions,” Kapito said.Kapito trashes Illovo Sugar’s assertions on sugar scarcity

According to CAMA, consumers deserve reliable and affordable telecommunications services, and any increase in tariffs should be accompanied by improved service delivery and full compliance with the law.

The consumer rights body argues that approving higher data prices while customers continue to experience network disruptions, unreliable internet connectivity and unexplained data depletion undermines public confidence in the telecommunications sector.

CAMA has therefore given MACRA seven days to respond to its demands and reverse the data tariff increases, warning that consumers’ rights must be protected in accordance with the Communications Act of 2016.Airtel Money Splashes K30 Million on 303 Winners in Fourth Tola Promotion Draw

The association maintains that regulatory decisions affecting millions of mobile phone users should be transparent, lawful and made in the public interest.

The recent tariff adjustments by Airtel Malawi and TNM have generated widespread debate among consumers, with many expressing concern over the increasing cost of internet access at a time when digital services are becoming essential for education, business, communication and access to government services.

As of the time of publication, MACRA had not issued an official response to CAMA’s demands or commented on the allegations regarding the approval process.TNM Launches 5G Network in Lilongwe: Ushering Malawi into a New Era of Connectivity

The development is expected to intensify discussions on consumer protection, telecommunications regulation and the affordability of digital services in Malawi.