Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has opened an investigation into growing consumer concerns over the rapid depletion of mobile data bundles on TNM plc and Airtel Malawi plc networks.
Macra director general Mayamiko Nkoloma said in a public notice dated September 29, 2026 that the regulator will assess operators’ data charging and billing systems, customers’ data-usage records and the accuracy of deductions from purchased bundles.
In an interview yesterday, he said the investigation will also involve analysis of usage and billing records, assessing consumer complaints and conducting controlled tests to establish whether the amount of data consumed corresponds
with the data deducted from customers’ bundles. Nkoloma said the investigation has a deadline of mid-November.
the matter. | Courtesy of Macra
“Macra is closely monitoring the matter and has invited af fected consumers to report their experiences and provide relevant supporting information. Where any billing inaccuracies or regulatory breaches are identified, the authority will take appropriate corrective action,” he said.
In a separate interview yes terday, Consumer s Association of Malawi executive director John Kapito welcomed the investigation but challenged Macra to provide clarity on the nature and scope of the probe.
He said consumers had raised the concerns for a long time and expected the regulator to provide concrete answers.
“People have raised this issue for a long time and they expect solid answers from Macra,” said Kapito.
Information and communications technology expert Bram Fudzulani said several factors could be contributing to the rapid depletion of mobile data bundles.
He said improved network performance and reduced congestion could result in increased data consumption because activities such as video streaming, social media use, software updates and other data-intensive services can operate at higher quality and with fewer interruptions.
Data rates and consumption have been sticky issues in Malawi with most consumers charging that they are given a raw deal while operators contend that the rates were competitive
