The Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has been criticized for its recent decision to introduce a price floor for data services. Critics argue that this move favors higher rates and undermines competition in the telecommunications sector. Fatou Jagne Senghore, former Article 19 Regional Director and founder of the Center for Women’s Rights and Leadership, has publicly condemned the decision, raising serious concerns about PURA’s capacity and independence to regulate the country’s telecommunications and broadcasting ecosystems effectively.
In a strongly worded statement, Senghore criticized PURA’s unilateral approach, describing it as a disturbing shift in an open market economy like The Gambia, where consumers have long been left vulnerable to the practices of telecom operators with minimal regulatory intervention. “The recent decision from PURA raises serious concerns over its capacity and independence to adequately regulate the telecommunication and broadcasting ecosystems,” Senghore said, calling for urgent and holistic reforms aligned with international standards and public interest.
Senghore emphasized the need for greater transparency in PURA’s decision-making processes, particularly on critical issues like pricing and competition. She argued that the regulator has failed to address pressing concerns such as cross-ownership, anti-competitive practices, and abuses of dominant positions, which stifle innovation and limit opportunities for small businesses in the broadcasting and digital sectors. “PURA needs to adhere to the norms of transparency when dealing with important issues such as pricing and competition between operators,” she stated.
The introduction of a data price floor, intended to “regulate” competition among telecom operators, has sparked widespread debate about its potential impact on consumers. Critics, including Senghore, argue that the move risks driving up costs in a country where affordable internet access is already a challenge for many. The decision has also raised questions about PURA’s ability to balance the interests of consumers with those of powerful telecom operators.
Senghore called for a comprehensive overhaul of PURA, urging that the regulator be redefined and better equipped with the technical and human resources needed to navigate the complexities of the digital age. “PURA’s mandate is overbroad and the model obsolete,” she said, pointing out that the regulator oversees an array of sectors, including water, electricity, telecommunications, broadcasting, and even oil and gas licensing. She argued that the breadth of PURA’s responsibilities makes it ill-suited to address the specific and evolving expertise required for each sector.
To restore public trust, Senghore outlined key priorities for an independent regulator, including accountability, transparency, and coordination with other oversight bodies like the Gambia Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. She stressed the importance of policies that address anti-competitive practices, such as cross-ownership and abuse of dominant positions, while fostering sustainable business models that respect corporate responsibilities and encourage sector growth.
“The government must act swiftly and decisively to bring back sanity and public trust in a deregulated economy where the interest of a few seems to override the public interest and the rights of the majority of the population,” Senghore urged. Her statement reflects growing public frustration with PURA’s regulatory approach, which many view as favoring industry interests over consumer rights.
The controversy comes at a time when The Gambia’s telecommunications sector is grappling with rapid technological advancements and increasing demand for affordable, reliable internet access. Stakeholders are calling for reforms to ensure that the regulatory framework keeps pace with these changes while prioritizing the needs of consumers and small businesses.
As the debate over the data price floor intensifies, all eyes are on PURA and the government to address these criticisms and restore confidence in regulating The Gambia’s telecommunications and broadcasting sectors. Without swift action, the rift between regulators, operators, and consumers could deepen, threatening the country’s digital and economic progress.
