04 November 2025
Madagascar’s Communication Technology Regulatory Authority (ARTEC) is actively urging telecom operators to explore options for reducing mobile internet prices, responding to widespread public concerns over high connection costs.
In a statement issued on 23 October, ARTEC emphasised its role as a facilitator and mediator, encouraging operators to evaluate possible rate adjustments, although it clarified that it does not have the authority to directly set tariffs.
This initiative builds on measures introduced since late 2024, including an initial rate readjustment, but no specific timeline has been established for further reviews or adjustments. ARTEC stressed that its goal is to promote fair, sustainable solutions that benefit the entire digital ecosystem, aligning with the government’s broader aim of expanding internet access.
The government’s commitment to lowering data costs was highlighted earlier in October 2024 by Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications Stéphanie Delmotte. She announced a joint effort with telecom operators to bring internet prices down, emphasising the importance of aligning with international best practices and making digital services more accessible to the population.
Previously, in April 2024, authorities introduced a minimum price per gigabyte set at $0.95 — up from $0.45 — to rationalise the market and improve access distribution. However, this measure was revoked in May after the government recognised that operator prices remained artificially high and did not reflect negotiated commitments.
These regulatory and policy actions are part of Madagascar’s broader digital transformation strategy, which includes a $24 million initiative to distribute 40,000 smartphones to citizens, aiming to boost mobile device accessibility. Despite these efforts, internet penetration remains relatively low — reported at 32.57% in 2023 by ARTEC, compared to the 20.4% estimate by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) — highlighting ongoing barriers related to affordability and infrastructure.
According to GSMA, the high cost of mobile data remains among the main hurdles to widespread internet adoption across Africa. In Madagascar, monthly mobile internet expenditure was 6.28% of gross national income per capita in 2023, significantly above the ITU’s 2% affordability threshold. Although this marks a considerable decrease from 52% in 2014, current prices are still three times higher than the recommended affordability level, underscoring the need for continued policy and market interventions to foster inclusive digital growth.
