Macra to introduce fees for phone numbers

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) in consultation with telecommunications service providers plans to introduce annual subscription fees for all phone numbers. 

This is contained in the revised Malawi National  Numbering Plan and the draft Numbering Fees Schedule which is currently under discussion at a Macra Consultative workshop in Lilongwe. 

Macra acting director-general Henry Silika said the annual subscription fee for mobile numbers will be reasonable and the move is in line with the changing technology comprising 4G and latest 5G. 

He said the move is also aimed at curbing fraud by unscrupulous individuals who buy and use phone numbers to scam unsuspecting subscribers. 

Silika said the fees are already being implemented in countries such as Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa among others and Malawi has been lagging. 

The Communications Act (2016) on Section 87 as read with section 89(5), gives powers to Macra to regulate all electronic communication numbering resource and ensure efficient and effective use. 

Consequently, MACRA sets terms and conditions for the assignment of numbers or blocks of numbers through Regulations as well as the National Numbering Plan.