The new pricing system in Madagascar is negatively affecting internet users, hindering the country’s digital economy and limiting freedom of expression

On April 1, 2024, Madagascar experienced a significant internet price hike, making internet access a luxury for only a few who can afford it. Global Voices interviewed Harinjaka Andriankoto Ratozamanana, a researcher at the Institute for the Cooperative Digital Economy, to gain insights into the current disruption in the country's digital environment.

Harinjaka Andriankoto Ratozamanana (HAR) highlighted the impact of the internet price hike in Madagascar on April 1, 2024. The new pricing system introduced by the government included a minimum fixed rate of MGA 4,153 (USD 0.95) per gigabyte, with some packages costing up to MGA 10,000 (USD 2.26). This significant increase, especially in a society where the average monthly income is MGA 188,891 (USD 43), represents a rise of over 100 percent.

The Minister of Digital Development, Digital Transformation, Posts, and Telecommunications, Tahina Razafind-Ramalo, defended the internet price hike as a means to promote more equitable internet access across Madagascar. However, this decision has exacerbated the digital divide in the country, making it harder for Malagasy citizens without sufficient purchasing power to access this essential resource.

The situation is especially troubling in remote areas of Madagascar, where only 6.5 percent of the population has access to electricity, compared to 15 percent in urban areas (according to United Nations data). The discrepancy in service quality between regions further complicates the challenges faced by internet users. As a result of the tariff hike, many Malagasy individuals have had to reduce their internet usage or rely on internet cafes. This has transformed a once widely accessible service into a luxury for many.

HAR expressed that the internet price hike is a significant concern for many Malagasy internet users. With Facebook evolving into an e-commerce platform in Madagascar amid limited job opportunities, this pricing change hinders entrepreneurial efforts and economic progress in the country.

It is important to highlight that Madagascar has 3.8 million social media users, with virtually all of them using Facebook. The price hike has raised concerns among Malagasy individuals regarding their ability to stay connected with loved ones and access online government services. Platforms like Facebook play a crucial role as official information channels where the government shares announcements and engages with citizens. The active participation of citizens in civic life on these platforms underscores their significance in the country.

HAR pointed out that the internet price hike poses a significant challenge for individuals who depend on daily internet usage. Business owners are confronted with higher operational expenses from online sales strategies and decreased turnover as customers face limited internet access. Students encounter obstacles in accessing discussion groups and online resources, while citizens experience restricted access to information and participation in public discussions.

HAR expressed concerns that the internet price hike may be a government strategy to limit online freedom of expression. Madagascar is currently experiencing a period where opposition protests, discussions on the president's dual nationality, and debates regarding his re-election have been forcefully suppressed.

The recent removal of the European Union's ambassador to Madagascar, Isabelle Delattre Burger, who criticized the controversial child rapist castration law, the embezzlement of the COVID-19 fund, and the disappearance of the Road Maintenance Fund (which the EU supports) has sparked concerns about Madagascar's commitment to human rights and freedom of expression.

The recent internet price hike in Madagascar, coupled with existing uncertainties surrounding freedom of expression, could potentially serve as a pretext for censoring critics and opponents leading up to the legislative elections scheduled for May 8 to 29, 2024. Given that the internet plays a crucial role in the opposition's dissemination of election results, any attempt to restrict online access would constitute a blatant violation of human rights and pose a threat to the country's democratic principles.

The recent ruling by the High Constitutional Court to impose severe penalties, including imprisonment, for any online challenges to its decisions further exacerbates concerns about the escalating crackdown on freedom of expression in Madagascar.

A multidimensional approach is crucial to ensure that internet costs become more affordable for Malagasy internet users. This approach would entail fostering meaningful dialogue among the government, telecommunications companies, civil society, and consumer groups to address the implications of the price hike and identify sustainable solutions.

It is crucial to promote the liberalization of the internet market, foster fair competition within the telecommunications sector, and implement policies that ensure universal access to the internet. With a significant number of internet users in Madagascar (nearly 4 million out of a population of 28 million), such measures could benefit all service providers, including with the introduction of the satellite telecommunications company Starlink.

Continual monitoring and active citizen engagement are crucial to ensure that decisions regarding internet access take into account the interests of users. Given that citizens were not consulted prior to the recent price hike decision, an online petition now provides them with a platform to freely voice their opinions. The surprise experienced by internet service providers on the day of the price increase underscores the importance of transparent communication and stakeholder involvement in such matters.

Establishing an internet user association could be a proactive step towards addressing the current challenges, including conducting awareness campaigns and sending open letters to the government to articulate user concerns. Engaging in dialogue with service providers is also crucial, as there may still be an opportunity for them to support the users' cause, considering the potential market share losses resulting from the recent decision. Collaboration with service providers and collective advocacy efforts can potentially lead to positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.