Malawi: TNM and MACRA Refute Claims That Service Providers Are Listening to People’s Phone Calls

Lloyd Gowera, Chief Technical Officer of TNM Plc, addressed public concerns about telecommunications companies' ability to eavesdrop on phone conversations, stating that such a capacity does not exist. This position was supported by the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) during the launch of MACRA's stakeholders' Open Week at Sunbird Mount Soche in Blantyre. At the event, MACRA's Director General, Daud Suleman, along with Chief Technical Officer of TNM Plc, Lloyd Gowera, addressed public concerns and clarified that neither MACRA nor other agencies have the capability to monitor phone conversations. The Open Week served as a platform for MACRA to reinforce its commitment to transparency and engage directly with stakeholders, enhancing public understanding and trust in its regulatory practices.

During a Q&A session, when a stakeholder questioned the validity of allegations circulating on social media regarding surveillance, MACRA Director General Daud Suleman deferred to Gowera for an explanation. Gowera clarified that telecommunications companies, including TNM Plc, lack the capability to monitor phone calls. He explained that even in more advanced countries, comprehensive surveillance of all public communications is not feasible and is typically limited to law enforcement agencies tracking serious criminals and terrorists. He also pointed out that implementing such surveillance would be prohibitively expensive due to the significant number of personnel required.

Gowera and Suleman both assured the public that their phone conversations are not being monitored by MACRA or any other agencies, addressing and countering widespread concerns and myths surrounding privacy. Gowera emphasized that telecommunications companies lack the capacity to listen in on calls, reinforcing MACRA's stance. Suleman, in particular, shared his personal experiences where individuals, fearing surveillance, opted to use encrypted messaging apps instead of regular phone calls. This anecdote highlighted the extent of public apprehension, despite the assurances from regulatory authorities and technical experts.

The Open Week aimed to address these misconceptions and provide clarity on regulatory functions. The event also focused on the Revenue Assurance System (RAS), which, despite past controversies and legal challenges, now assists MACRA in monitoring revenue generation by mobile and data operators and addressing issues like call drops. RAS provides evidence for regulatory actions and helps ensure that operators remit the correct revenue shares to MACRA.

MACRA Board Chairperson Bridget Chibwana emphasized the critical importance of transparency in regulatory processes, asserting that such openness is essential for building and maintaining trust among stakeholders. She highlighted that transparency not only fosters confidence in the regulatory body but also ensures that all actions and decisions are subject to public scrutiny.

The Open Week initiative, which will also take place in Lilongwe and Mzuzu, is designed to facilitate direct and meaningful interactions between MACRA and its stakeholders. This event provides a platform for operators, consumers, and prospective licensees to engage with the regulator, offering valuable opportunities for dialogue and feedback. By doing so, MACRA aims to enhance its regulatory functions and ensure that its policies and practices are well-aligned with the needs and concerns of all stakeholders at various levels.

Chibwana articulated that this approach will help MACRA to address issues more effectively and adapt its strategies to better serve the community. The Open Week is seen as a significant step towards improving regulatory processes, fostering a more inclusive and responsive regulatory environment, and ensuring that MACRA’s operations are transparent and accountable.