LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has issued a new operating licence to Airtel Malawi plc for another 10 years.
The new licence marks exactly 25 years since Malawi Stock Exchange -listed firm was granted its initial licence on February 5, 1999 and subsequently renewed it for another 10 years in February 2014.
Addressing reporters on Tuesday night, February 5, 2024 in the capital Lilongwe, Airtel Malawi managing director Charles Kamoto said that the new licence gives the company a challenge to do more on Digitalization.
Kamoto addes that the new mandate is a memorable and remarkable occasion for Airtel Malawi, the entire telecommunications sector and the country, considering the significant contributions Airtel Malawi has made to the country since 2014.
“This a great day for us considering the contribution we have made. We have invested US$176 million in infrastructure since we got established.
“Currently, we have connected seven million customers of which two million are using data.”
Macra issued three licences to Airtel Malawi, including, an application service licence, network facility licence and network services licence.
Macra Director General Daudi Suleman expects quality delivery of digital and network provision.
“This new licence gives Airtel a challenge to do better. We don’t want erratic network,” says Suleman.
With 25 years in operation, Airtel network has reached over 88% of the Malawi population.
