After Malawians on social media protested against network providers over high internet data charges one of the mobile companies Airtel Malawi has responded saying they are still committed to provide best network coverage at an affordable price to its customers.

Few days ago Malawians on social media expressed their discomfort with how the network providers charge internet data arguing that it is more expensive in the country comparing to our neighbors.

In a press statement made available to this publication, Airtel Malawi has said it has a common goal with the Malawi government of high quality digital services available and affordable to the people of Malawi.

According to Airtel, they have lowered prices for the past years with an aim of providing their customers with the best network coverage despite the physical challenges faced.

“In a quest to provide customers with the best network coverage at the affordable prices, we have lowered prices over recent years and invented in expanding our 4G network coverage across the country

We have also, despite our landlocked country status, deployed additional back-up fiber spanning over 2,100kms across Malawi to enhance data capacity and resilience,” reads part of the statement.

After the national outcry, Airtel realized that they can do more hence decided to listen to the complaints raised by their customers in as far as internet data pricing is concerned.

According to Airtel, the concerns have been heard and they are taking an engagement approach on the matter with relevant authorities “so that the debate and consequent decisions around data pricing should be fact-based”

Airtel has therefore said it is looking forward to working together with Malawians to make “power mobile communications affordable for our country and will provide updates on the same through our official channels”

Minister of information Gospel Kazako few days ago directed the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to reduce the cost of Data.