Madagascar Government Demands Real, Immediate Internet Price Cuts for Citizens
This renewed stance follows growing public concern over the high cost of digital access, as well as a recent press release issued by telecommunications operators grouped within the GTM defending their proposed offers.
The Government of the Refoundation has reaffirmed its firm position that reductions in internet prices must provide direct, meaningful benefits to the Malagasy population. This renewed stance follows growing public concern over the high cost of digital access, as well as a recent press release issued by telecommunications operators grouped within the GTM defending their proposed offers.
According to the government, the ministries leading the discussions — including the MNDPT, MCC and MEF — have from the outset demanded real, simple and immediately applicable price cuts on the data packages most commonly used by citizens. These ministries share a common objective: ensuring fair access to digital services and safeguarding the purchasing power of households across the country.
However, officials say operators have so far presented only three limited, conditional and temporary offers: 1.1 GB for 3,000 Ar; 2.5 GB for 5,000 Ar; and 5.5 GB for 10,000 Ar. The government argues that these proposals do not represent a true structural reduction in prices. They do not cover major internet bundles or essential online services such as education, research, administrative platforms or financial transactions. In addition, some offers require the use of mobile money, which further restricts access.
A major concern raised by the government is the stark price disparity between low-income consumers and wealthier households. A Malagasy citizen who can only spend 500 Ar per day on data ends up paying the equivalent of 5,000 Ar per GB. In contrast, customers able to afford large packages costing about 200,000 Ar pay as little as 2,000 Ar per GB. Authorities describe this situation as unfair and socially untenable, as it disproportionately affects young people, rural communities and families living in precarious conditions — the very groups digital access is meant to uplift.
While presenting their limited offers, operators have also requested the immediate removal of several sector-specific taxes, arguing that these changes should be incorporated into the newly adopted Finance Law. The government rejects this demand, stating that such tax exemptions would largely benefit the operators without guaranteeing any long-term advantage for consumers. It added that national fiscal policy cannot be based on calculations presented solely by private companies whose interests may not align with the public good.
The Government of the Refoundation insists its position remains unchanged: price reductions must be real, immediate and unconditional. It will not grant tax concessions in exchange for temporary, restricted offers. To strengthen consumer protection and promote fair digital access, the government is preparing several new decrees to regulate commercial practices and remove artificial barriers that limit affordability and connectivity.
Authorities emphasize that telecom operators have profited from Malagasy consumers for many years, and that the time has come to provide genuine relief. If operators continue to resist implementing meaningful discounts, the government says it will take decisive action — including opening the sector to greater competition and applying any necessary measures to defend the interests of the Malagasy population.
