The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has announced the introduction of a temporary floor price for mobile data services in The Gambia, following a period of intensified tariff competition among Mobile Network Operators (MNOs).
This regulatory intervention follows extensive monitoring of recent market developments in mobile data tariffs arising from aggressive price competition among MNOs. While this significant tariff reduction may benefit consumers in the short term, it has raised serious concerns regarding network quality, long-term sector sustainability, and the State’s revenue collection. PURA has received widespread reports from consumers and stakeholders highlighting deteriorating service quality, including slower data speeds, reduced network availability, and overall declines in user experience.
In line with its mandate to protect consumers while ensuring a stable, competitive, and investment-friendly telecommunications sector, PURA has taken regulatory action.
A temporary floor price of GMD 50 per GB (approximately USD 0.65) will take effect from 18th August 2025. This price is well below the industry average of GMD 106 per GB obtained in the market before the price competition. All tariffs must remain cost-oriented and sustainable, reflecting the efficient cost of service provision. All MNOs are reminded of their license obligation to comply with the established Quality of Service (QoS) standards at all times, regardless of market competition.
This determination follows extensive consultations with MNOs and is informed by preliminary findings from PURA’s ongoing cost study of telecommunications services in The Gambia. The Authority will expedite the segment of this study concerning mobile data services and will issue a final floor price determination within one month.
PURA cautions all MNOs against practices that could undermine the viability of the telecommunications ecosystem. Any such attempt will be subject to regulatory action.
The Authority remains committed to ensuring that mobile data services in The Gambia are not only affordable but also reliable and sustainable. This temporary measure strikes a balance between protecting consumers and safeguarding the long-term health of the sector. PURA will continue to closely monitor market and service quality developments and stand ready to implement further regulatory measures as required.
