The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) faces mounting criticism following its decision to impose a minimum data tariff of GMD 50 per gigabyte, a move Gambians Against Looted Assets (GALA) and local journalists have condemned as a betrayal of consumer interests. The regulation, intended to stabilize the market after a telecom “price war,” has ignited widespread anger for prioritizing mobile operators over ordinary Gambians.
GALA issued a scathing statement, accusing PURA of shielding telecom companies while undermining the public. “PURA’s decision is destructive, unacceptable, and a direct attack on consumer welfare,” the group’s Communications Unit declared. They argue that the price floor will disproportionately harm students, business owners, and content creators who depend on affordable internet for their livelihoods. The group emphasized that PURA’s role as a regulator is to ensure fairness and sustainability, not to enable exploitation by mobile operators.
Journalists from multiple Gambian media outlets have joined the outcry, demanding justice and fairness for internet users. They highlight the internet’s critical role in education, entrepreneurship, and digital content creation, particularly for low-income communities. The new tariff, they warn, risks exacerbating economic inequality and stifling opportunities in a country where digital access is increasingly vital.
PURA defends the regulation, claiming it reinforces quality-of-service standards and protects consumers from the adverse effects of unsustainable pricing. However, GALA and journalists dismiss this as a pretext to favor corporate profits, arguing that the price hike will make internet access unaffordable for many. They accuse PURA of failing to uphold its mandate to prioritize consumer interests.
GALA has called for an immediate reversal of the policy, pledging support for the journalists’ demands and urging PURA to protect Gambian consumers. The controversy has sparked a broader debate about regulatory accountability and the role of affordable internet in fostering economic and social development.
As public frustration grows, the pressure is on PURA to address the concerns of a nation increasingly reliant on digital connectivity.
