Africa-Press – Gambia. The Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Lamin Jabbi, has attributed the recent decline in mobile data prices in The Gambia to the revival of Comium under Munti Mobile, which has increased competition in the sector.
Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, Minister Jabbi said that before 2022, mobile data prices averaged $5.86 per gigabyte, approximately 44 percent above the global average. He noted that limited broadband penetration, unreliable electricity supply, and low investment in network infrastructure by operators, including Gamcell and Comium, had contributed to the high costs.
The Minister highlighted Comium’s “Diya Promo,” a low-tariff initiative, as a key factor prompting competitors to reduce their rates. He also noted that the company’s resurgence has accelerated the adoption of 4G LTE services, enhancing broadband capacity and lowering average consumer costs.
Data from the Ministry indicate that by the second quarter of 2025, Comium had grown to 800,000 active users, making it the second-largest operator in terms of data traffic. Current market share is reported as Africell 62.82 percent, Qcell 31.46 percent, Gamcell 3.2 percent, and Comium 2.51 percent.
Minister Jabbi said that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) is finalizing a cost-of-service study to establish scientifically based pricing, including a price ceiling and floor for operators. A high-level committee, composed of representatives from the Ministry, PURA, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the Attorney General’s Chambers, has submitted recommendations to the President.
“This committee ensures fair competition while protecting consumers from predatory pricing,” the Minister said, adding that ongoing monitoring will prevent market exploitation by dominant operators.
The Ministry attributed the decline in data tariffs to increased competition, improved network infrastructure, and rising broadband usage. With the wider deployment of 4G and 5G technologies, mobile internet is expected to become more accessible and affordable, benefiting households and businesses alike.
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