High internet costs squeeze young Malawians

High internet prices are making it harder for many young Malawians to study, run businesses and access opportunities online, prompting renewed calls for government intervention.

Speaking in Parliament, Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central Chikondi Kampachike Chisale urged the government to lower internet prices, saying the rising cost of data is placing an increasing burden on young people who rely on the internet for education, entrepreneurship and other daily activities.

He said the higher prices are hitting young entrepreneurs who conduct business online and students who rely on computers and the internet for learning.

Chisale warned that increasing internet costs while the country’s economy continues to face challenges undermines development efforts.

He also said expensive internet services would reduce opportunities for young people if the situation was not addressed.

The legislator pledged to work with fellow members of Parliament to push for lower internet prices so that internet services become more affordable for more Malawians.

Responding to the concerns, Minister of Information Shadreck Namalomba said the government is aware of the increase in internet prices.

Namalomba said the price increases has been driven by rising costs of other goods and services.

The parliamentary debate came as public concern over internet costs continues to grow.

Recently, hundreds of Malawians signed an online petition urging the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to review internet prices and investigate mobile data billing practices.

The petition argues that rising internet costs and concerns over data billing are making internet access increasingly difficult for many Malawians.

It also calls for measures to make internet services more affordable, transparent and accessible.