he Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) has called on Airtel Malawi and Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM) to speed up compensation for customers affected by the controversial implementation of revised mobile data bundle tariffs.

The consumer rights body made the call after the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) directed the two mobile network operators to compensate customers who bought the affected data bundles before the expiry of the mandatory notice period.

CAMA Executive Director John Kapito said the regulator’s decision followed the association’s demand for the tariff adjustments to be reversed and for affected consumers to be refunded or compensated.

“CAMA calls upon Airtel Malawi and TNM to speed up the process of refunding Consumers,” Kapito stated.

He said CAMA engaged MACRA on July 8, where both parties agreed that the tariff adjustments contravened the Communications Act, 2016, which requires operators to issue a mandatory seven-day public notice before implementing new tariffs.

Kapito said CAMA had requested MACRA to withdraw the revised tariffs and ensure consumers who purchased the affected mobile data bundles during the statutory notice period were compensated for the losses they incurred.

He commended MACRA for what he described as its openness and professionalism in handling the matter, saying the regulator had demonstrated its commitment to consumer protection and the rule of law.

“The positive dialogue outcome demonstrates and assures consumers that Malawi has some regulatory bodies that are able to deliver on their mandates professionally and, as consumers, we wish to thank MACRA for standing up to protect consumers,” said Kapito.

CAMA has also advised affected customers to monitor their accounts and ensure they receive their compensation within the time frame communicated by MACRA.