Dar es Salaam. Tanzanians may continue paying for internet bundles using the new prices as the regulator is still working on the issue that caused alarm to consumers.
New bundle prices were introduced on April 2, this year, as directed by Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) through new rules, but were opposed by consumers who complained that the data bundles were expensive.
On the same day, the regulator announced to suspend the new prices of the internet bundles. However, not much has changed so far as the mobile network operators continued with the halted bundle charges.
The TCRA new director general, Dr Jabiri Bakari, said the decision to revoke the new packages and return them to the old ones could take time, without mentioning the exact duration, but stressed they were closely monitoring.
“Initially, when we were coming up with the new packages, it took a whole month to create them. The system takes time, though if you follow up, you will notice that some packages have changed and we are working with them to ensure that feedback is provided,” he said.
Dr Jabiri, who was appointed to the position after the changes, said what has returned so far is the withdrawal of the unlimited number of packages for service providers as opposed to the regulations that stipulated that they should not exceed 50.
“The instructions given earlier had two sides in terms of price but also the number of packages. The issue of reducing the number of packages has already been worked on and has returned as before. The cost issue continues and I am confident it will not take a whole month to complete,” said Dr Bakari.
Meanwhile, the debate about the new packages refused to die down as many social network users continue to complain over bundle prices and expiry time.
Vodacom Tanzania responded to comments on Twitter users who complained about non-return of packages, saying; “We would like to inform you that the changes have been implemented and we have returned the package prices as before. There are packages we have suspended to keep the few packages that provide the best service.”
Airtel also responded to its customers on grounds that its customers were demanding old packages.
“There are currently bundle changes. You can select special offers, so you can get different packages according to your usage.”
Tigo Network informed its customers who wanted the old packages that “We would like to inform you that changes have begun to take place for some combo and internet packages…. we will let you know when there is a change in the specific offer.”
No comments :
Post a Comment