22/10/2026
MACRA engages stakeholders on proposed VAS fees
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has engaged stakeholders from various sectors on the implementation of fees for Value Added Services (VAS), including SMS, voice services and short codes.
Speaking during the consultation meeting, Acting Director of Telecommunications Patrick Musiyapo said the authority is mandated by law and regulations to administer and charge prescribed fees for numbering resources.
“Although this responsibility has existed for some time, the fees have not been implemented until now. The Authority is taking steps to fulfil this obligation in a responsible and practical umanner,” said Musiyapo.
The meeting brought together representatives from the banking, telecommunications, broadcasting and transport sectors to discuss the proposed fee structure and share their concerns.
One of the issues raised was the proposal to charge some fees in U.S. dollars instead of Malawi Kwacha.
In response, Musiyapo said discussions on the matter were ongoing, explaining that MACRA had obtained a waiver from the Reserve Bank of Malawi for some charges because of their international nature.
He said the charges were comparable to spectrum-related fees, which are linked to international market standards, while assuring stakeholders that their concerns would be considered.
“This is a consultation meeting, and all views expressed by stakeholders have been taken on board for consideration,” he said.
The proposed charges discussed during the meeting include a registration fee of US$15, while initial payment fees are set at US$1,500 for the Gold Category, US$1,000 for the Silver Category, US$750 for the Bronze Category and US$300 for the Ordinary Category.
The consultation forms part of MACRA’s efforts to engage stakeholders on the implementation of the VAS regulatory framework and promote transparency in the process.
