Parliamentary Committee on Commissions, Statutory Corporations and State has asked Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) to address expiring data bundles and persistent mobile network gaps along the M1 and in rural areas.
The committee has warned that the shortcomings pose economic and security risks.
Committee chairperson Sylvester Ayuba James said they engaged Macra on Saturday over concerns that consumers are losing money through unused data while connectivity gaps leave travellers vulnerable.
In an interview, he said the committee also urged the regulator to improve coverage along the M1 and underserved rural areas, noting that lack of network access can endanger lives.
Said James: “Bundles are finishing very quickly and they expire when not used. Money does not expire ordinarily.
“On the network blackspots, one can be stranded or in danger and need to reach someone, but without network there is no help.”
Committee member George Kadzipatike described expiring bundles as exploitative, particularly in a strained economy.
“Our people are being robbed of unused data when bundles expire. That is unfair,” he said.
Kadzipatike also cited poor coverage between Jenda and Mzuzu, and in parts of Dowa, including Tchawale and Chimungu trading centres, calling for urgent tower construction.
In response, Macra director general Mayamiko Nkoloma said the regulator would review the concerns but indicated that any changes on bundle expiry would require consultations with the responsible ministry and telecom operators.
“It is something we need to look into, but I cannot give a concrete answer now,” he said.
Nkoloma acknowledged network challenges along the Jenda-Mzuzu section of the M1, describing them as a concern and assured that efforts are underway to expand coverage.
He said a World Bank-funded project is targeting construction of 100 telecommunications towers nationwide, alongside interventions through the Universal Service Fund to connect underserved areas.
Meanwhile, Consumer Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito has welcomed the committee’s intervention, saying the consumer body has long raised concerns over expiring bundles without success.
Macra was established under the Communications Act to regulate Malawi’s communications sector and ensure the provision of reliable and affordable services nationwide.
