Mozambique’s Minister of Transport and Communications this Thursday defended dialogue to resolve disputes over new tariffs applied by telecom operators in the country, inviting the parties to “clarify their arguments.”
“The path to a solution always lies in dialogue (…) I do not believe that there are no solutions to problems, even the most complex ones, as long as we have space for conversation,” Mateus Magala told the media. , on the sidelines of the national communications conference in Maputo.
At issue is a change in telecommunications services in the country, namely the end of unlimited packages, as a result of the establishment of minimum tariffs by the National Institute of Communications of Mozambique (INCM), the regulatory body, which is leading to complaints from customers, according to the chief executive of consumer protection association ProConsumer.
Without specifying the figures, Alexander Basian said in an interview with Lusa that since May 4, the consumer protection agency has been receiving complaints about the alleged increase in prices for packages, especially for mobile data, which causes “great confusion for the consumer.” “.
According to the Minister of Transport and Communications, there is a need to find a space where people can speak with “ears to listen” and with open minds to find fair solutions” for the telecom regulator and for customers.
“We invite the parties to present their arguments, their reasons and call for reason,” the Mozambican official said, noting that this is an “open discussion for” academia, civil society, government and the private sector.
INCM president Tuaha Mothe said last week he had instructed telecom operators to withdraw unlimited data and voice bundles to avoid “market collapse” and “unfair competition” and in a bid to ensure greater market openness to attract investment into the sector. .
Mozambican activists called for a national march on Saturday against new tariffs applied by telecom operators and called for the resolution setting minimum tariffs to be scrapped.
“Regardless of the results on May 18 [dia da marcha anunciada], if this decision is not reversed, we will continue to march and act. The campaign will continue until the day of abolition, and we are ready to call and agitate every citizen who feels the pain,” said Quiteria Girengane, a representative of the activist group, after another meeting in Maputo with the leaders of the National Communications. Institute of Mozambique (INCM), regulatory body.
Non-governmental organization (NGO) Misa Moçambique also called for the new tariffs to be scrapped, saying they “violate” the rights of Mozambicans, in a request submitted to the telecommunications regulator on Wednesday.
The National Union of Students (UNE) and the Association of Finalist University Students of Mozambique (AEFUM) also considered the new tariffs “inappropriate”, saying they mainly affected students and young people.
INCM announced that from May 4, telecommunications services will become cheaper on average after the entry into force of tariffs in which operators adjust the minimum values.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I am Michael Melvin, an experienced news writer with a passion for uncovering stories and bringing them to the public. I have been working in the news industry for over five years now, and my work has been published on multiple websites. As an author at 24 News Reporters, I cover world section of current events stories that are both informative and captivating to read.