University Students in Mozambique Criticize Recent Telecommunication Tariff Increases

University students in Mozambique are up in arms over what they claim to be a 150% increase in tariffs for voice, data, and SMS services. The students, represented by the Association of Mozambican Final Year University Students (AEFUM), have submitted a letter to the Mozambican National Communications Institute (INCM) contesting the new tariffs.

Nélio Zunguza, the general coordinator of AEFUM, stated that the new tariffs directly impact students at all levels of education and called for a review of the recently published data tariffs. However, the INCM refutes these claims, stating that the tariff for voice calls has actually decreased.

Despite the INCM’s assertions, users argue that the tariffs have indeed increased. Previously, a 1,000 Meticais top-up provided unlimited calls, text messages, and internet usage for 30 days. Now, the same amount only covers 800 minutes of calls, 5.7 gigabytes of data, and 500 SMS.

Zunguza expressed concerns that the increased tariffs could hinder research and technological progress in Mozambique, making it one of the countries with the most expensive internet in Africa. He emphasized the importance of affordable internet access for achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The students have vowed to take further action if their concerns are not addressed by the INCM. Meanwhile, the regulator maintains that the changes were necessary to prevent unfair competition among service providers. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over telecommunications pricing and accessibility in Mozambique.