LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has directed that mobile and internet operators must phase out of physical airtime and data scratch cards in Malawi by December 31, 2024.
MACRA director general Daud Suleman told the news conference on Tuesday, April 30 that measures are in place to ensure that digital top update systems are available even in the remotest areas of the country.
Suleman added that the regulator is expecting compliance from the mobile service providers for a smooth transition during the phasing out period which starts from May 1, 2024.
However, Suleman observed that many operators already provide digital top up platforms but the regulator wants them to fast-track the process of migrating.
Airtel Malawi Managing Director, Charles Kamoto has welcome the development sating the process already started way back and as of today; over 80% percent of top ups are done digitally.
Indota Mpatama from Consumers Association of Malawi stressed that communication structures must be improved if the country is to embrace this transition.
Implementation period of the migration is from May 1 to 31 December, 2024.