Mobile service providers should explain to the general public why the cost of data bundles seem to be escalating to allow citizens to make well informed decisions amidst digitalization of most public services, Senior Chief Madzimawe has demanded.
There has been a public outcry on how Airtel data bundles are depleting at supersonic speed, way beyond the usual, with the telecom company’s call centre agents giving a chorus of a response each time they are confronted to explain the development by claiming that there could be other apps in the background using the same internet.
But speaking to The Scoop, the traditional leader noted that the rise of smartphones and several Internet-enabled devices had made Internet data bundles an important part of daily life but wondered why mobile service providers were turning a deaf ear to their clients’ complaints on their billing systems.
He said that amidst efforts of digitalization, mobile service providers such as Airtel, MTN, Zamtel including ZICTA should take a leading role in engaging citizens on the existing affordable internet packages being offered as well as explain factors resulting in the high costs of data bundles.
He said that the same way responsible institutions were explaining the cause of the high cost of living must be the same way mobile service providers should strive to explain and justify irregular data depletion which they were subjecting their clientele to.
“You see, there are various explanations with regard to the high cost of living, but currently the mobile service providers have not made an effort to effectively engage members of the public to understand as to why the cost of data bundles is also rising. The high cost of living is as a result of high cost fuel but could this also be the reason as to why the cost of data bundles is also rising?” Chief Madzimawe wondered.
“There have been a number of complaints among citizens especially those in the rural areas here that bundles no longer last. It is becoming a high expense on the part of citizens, especially the less privileged in the country. This challenge calls for solutions and effective engagement from the service providers,” he added.
Meanwhile Dziwa Science & Technology Trus (DsaT) Executive Director Veronica Mwaba called on the Government to zero rate taxes on computers like it had done on the cotton seeds to ensure that many citizens were able to afford and own computers.
Ms. Mwaba said the price of computers in the country was also high thereby limiting the number of people and students owning them.
“Almost everything is going digital and virtual. How can students, for example, access the needed information for learning purposes without having tools that enables easy accessibility of information? The Government should also consider zero rating taxes on computers to allow many young people access information that is digitalized,” Ms. Mwaba said.