By Vincent Khonje

Mchinji, July 13, Mana: Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has embarked on a campaign to educate consumers about their rights and responsibilities in the communication sector.

This sector includes essential services like broadcasting, mobile telecommunications, internet, and courier provision.

The campaign aims to ensure that consumers are well informed and effectively engage with service providers.

Hutchson Mkwapatira, MACRA's Consumer Affairs Manager, said the importance of the initiative is for people to be enlightened.

"People need to understand what is expected of the service providers and what is expected of them. This knowledge will empower consumers to demand better services and hold providers accountable," Mkwapatira stated.

Part of the campaign is also informing the public about the upcoming phase-out of airtime scratch cards.

He added: "We are moving towards using electronic platforms for purchasing airtime. This transition is necessary to modernize our communication infrastructures."

Bornface Maigwa, one of the consumers who attended the sensitization event at Mchinji boma, expressed happiness with the campaign.

"This campaign is important as it has enlightened us on our rights regarding the consumption of communication services. There are obligations that service providers must honour, and if they fail, we need to report them to MACRA. At the same time, we also have to take care of the equipment they use to provide us with services," said Maigwa.

Maigwa also welcomed the move to phase out scratch cards saying it is a good move to prepare consumers so that they can adapt to new methods and ensure a smooth transition.

During the event, most consumers complained about poor telecommunication services especially those using cellular phones and slow internet connection and on the other hand, service providers complained of infrastructure vandalism.