Subject: We Demand an Urgent Review of Internet Pricing, Data Billing Practices, and Transparency in Malawi's Telecommunications Sector

To the Director General and Board of the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA),

We, the undersigned citizens of Malawi, demand immediate action from MACRA regarding the rising cost of internet services, concerns over data billing practices, and the lack of transparency surrounding mobile data consumption in Malawi.

Affordable, reliable internet is a necessity in today's digital economy. It enables education, innovation, entrepreneurship, remote work, financial inclusion, healthcare, and access to information. Yet internet access is becoming increasingly unaffordable for many Malawians, while consumers continue to raise concerns about how quickly data bundles are depleted, including on so-called unlimited packages.

These issues are slowing Malawi's digital transformation and creating unnecessary barriers for students, software developers, entrepreneurs, researchers, businesses, and ordinary citizens who rely on affordable internet to participate in the modern economy.

We therefore demand that MACRA:

1. Conduct an independent and transparent review of internet pricing across all licensed telecommunications operators.
2. Investigate internet data billing systems and bundle consumption to ensure customers are billed fairly and accurately.
3. Publish the findings of its investigations and clearly communicate how internet billing and data usage are measured.
4. Strengthen consumer protection regulations to ensure subscribers receive the value they pay for.
5. Promote fair competition and policies that make internet access more affordable and accessible to every Malawian.

As the regulator of Malawi's communications sector, MACRA has a responsibility to protect consumers, promote transparency, and ensure that telecommunications services support—not hinder—the country's digital and economic development.

We call on MACRA to act decisively and without unnecessary delay. Malawians deserve affordable internet, transparent billing, and a telecommunications sector that serves the public interest.

Concerned Citizens of Malawi