Airtel Malawi Managing Director, Aashish Dutt, says the company has upgraded between 400 and 500 network sites to improve data capacity, voice services and overall network performance across the country.
Dutt said Airtel has also increased its Base Station Controller (BSC) numbers from nine to twelve as part of efforts to strengthen its network infrastructure.
He, however, noted that the company continues to face pressure due to rapidly growing demand, with data traffic increasing by more than 50 percent and voice traffic by over 60 percent.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the Parliamentary Media Committee, Kingwell Liphuka, says Parliament is optimistic that challenges affecting telecommunications services in Malawi will improve following an engagement with Airtel Malawi.
Liphuka said the committee engaged Airtel to seek explanations on growing public concerns over expensive data bundles, network disruptions, poor network coverage and increasing cases of mobile money fraud.
Speaking after the meeting in Parliament, Liphuka said the committee’s responsibility is to represent the interests of Malawians and ensure that their concerns are addressed.
He said Airtel presented its strategic plans, investments and measures aimed at improving network connectivity, expanding infrastructure and addressing mobile money fraud.
Liphuka further disclosed that Airtel outlined plans to work with the Malawi Police Service, MACRA and other relevant stakeholders to combat mobile money fraud.
He said the meeting also discussed the cost of calls and data bundles, emphasizing the need for Malawians to receive quality and affordable telecommunications services.
Liphuka said the committee was satisfied with the explanations and commitments presented by Airtel but stressed that Parliament would continue monitoring progress to ensure that the agreed plans are implemented.
He expressed optimism that the proposed measures would bring positive changes to the telecommunications sector if effectively implemented.
