By Amadou Manjang
Foroyaa has interviewed thirty-four data users in the Greater Banjul Area about their reactions to PURA’s intervention that introduced floor prices on internet services for GSM operators.
The move has sparked protests that led to the arrest of 22 youths, who were remanded at Mile 2 Central Prison before being released on bail.
The Vox Pop sought to gauge public reactions to PURA’s decision, which came after the summer internet competition among GSM operators that, for the first time, had brought internet prices in The Gambia to their lowest level.
When asked how they felt about the new regulation, eighty-two percent of the respondents said it was “not good,” while only eleven percent described it as “very good.”
“That’s purely unnecessary on the side of PURA. The vast majority of Gambians are struggling with the regulation so it simply makes it unnecessary,” said Buba Touray.
More than three-quarters (85%) said internet quality has not improved since PURA’s intervention, while fourteen percent disagreed, noting slight improvement. Over half of the interviewees said the intervention will not have any lasting positive impact. Eighty-eight percent believe the regulation does not benefit users, while eleven percent think otherwise.
All agreed that affordable internet access is vital for education, business, and work.
Oumie Fatty said the regulation is unnecessary because she relies on the internet for her business. Lamin Jawo added that it has affected him badly since his work depends on the internet.
For students like Mustapha Jallow, Lamin Njie, and Ebrima Jallow, the high cost of data is a nightmare.
“With cheap internet, I used to download my lecture notes and educational videos freely. But since PURA’s regulation, I cannot browse for days because of the crazy prices,” said Alima Danso.
Bintou Bah and Kaddy Jallow argued the move could discourage competition among GSM operators and reduce investment in internet infrastructure. Landing Sanyang warned that this will ultimately hurt people whose livelihoods depend on the digital world.
Assan Bah said the regulation has had no positive impact on service quality. Ansumana Suso added: “The high cost of internet service doesn’t match with the quality.”
Fatoumatta Janneh complained: “Credit users are finding it difficult to have credit now. All my money goes for credit.”
Musa Touray added: “Every day what I buy on the internet is huge. I could have spent that on something else or given it to my family. Expensive internet is making life difficult for us low-income earners. It doesn’t favour us at all.”
Abdourahman Darboe described the regulation as “unfair,” saying PURA should ensure a win-win situation between users and operators.
“These cheap internet tariffs don’t affect PURA in any way because operators pay their taxes regardless. So why is the regulation not in favour of users?” he asked.
Several interviewees highlighted personal challenges since the regulation. Salifu said the price of megabytes and gigabytes has increased significantly, denying him access to use the internet as before. Mbye Sanneh complained that his data finishes quickly.
Hon. Abubacarr Makalo, who runs online businesses, said: “It has a negative impact on me. I couldn’t make an effective online sale. The internet is a vital part of our daily lives and provides income to support our families. We simply cannot afford expensive internet services.”
