Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) has issued its final determinations on telecommunications pricing, introducing cost-based pricing across the sector and setting new price ceilings aimed at improving consumer affordability and promoting fair competition.
The decisions follow an extensive regulatory process involving stakeholder consultations and are expected to take effect from 1 January 2026. PURA said the measures are designed to protect consumers, ensure market fairness, and support the long-term sustainability of the telecommunications industry.
Under the new framework, the maximum price for mobile data has been capped at GMD 75 per gigabyte. On-net voice calls will have a ceiling of GMD 2.40 per minute, while off-net call pricing will be aligned to on-net rates plus applicable termination charges.
PURA also announced a phased reduction of termination rates beginning in January 2026, alongside a USSD session price ceiling of GMD 0.70. SMS termination will operate on a “bill and keep” basis.
In a move welcomed by many consumers, PURA confirmed the introduction of data rollover, allowing unused data to be carried forward within a 30-day period.
Shift From Price Floor to Price Ceiling
The latest determinations come a week after the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Lamin Jabbi, disclosed that his ministry had formally instructed PURA to lift the mobile data price floor imposed earlier this year.
The price floor of D50 per 1GB, introduced in August 2025, set the lowest price that mobile networks could charge and sparked widespread public criticism and protests.
With the removal of the price floor from the start of 2026, PURA has instead opted for a price ceiling model, which sets the maximum allowable charge for services.
From next year, no mobile network will be permitted to charge more than D75 per 1GB, a decision the regulator says will prevent prices from spiraling beyond consumers’ reach.
Mixed Reactions From Activists
Reacting to the announcement, Yusef Taylor, one of the youth leaders who spearheaded protests against the introduction of the data price floor, welcomed the policy shift but expressed strong reservations about PURA’s broader regulatory approach.
“I welcome the suspension of the data price floor and the introduction of the D75 per 1GB ceiling set to commence at the start of 2026. However, I am deeply concerned,” Taylor said.
He accused the regulator of focusing excessively on pricing while neglecting service quality and free market principles. “At this point PURA should simply change their name to Price of Utilities Regulatory Authority. They have shown almost zero interest in regulating quality and have little to no regard for the principles of a free market,” he added.
Taylor further argued that higher data prices ultimately benefit the state through increased tax revenues at the expense of consumers, noting that a rise in data prices leads directly to higher taxes paid by users.
Despite the criticism, PURA maintains that its final determinations strike a balance between consumer protection, fair competition, and the financial viability of telecommunications operators as the sector transitions into the new pricing regime in 2026.
