Minister of Communication, Science and Technology Mohamed Maleeh Jamal has stated the price of internet and telecommunication services can be controlled if the service is made a fundamental right by law.
Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Government Oversight, Minister Maleeh said the ministry has undertaken several efforts to lower the price of internet in the Maldives in accordance to the policies set by the government. The minister expressed confidence the price of internet will be reduced as per the electoral pledges of the government.
However, the minister noted there are still plenty of issues to address in order to effectively resolve the issue of internet and telecommunication services. As such, he noted a better budget needs to be provided to the Communication Authority of the Maldives (CAM), which is the regulatory body of telecommunication service providers. He highlighted the importance of providing the equipment required for CAM to inspect and monitor the signal strength and data speeds of service providers, as part of efforts to regulate the services.
Speaking further Minister Maleeh said new legislation is required to place a better control on the prices of internet and telecommunication services. As such, he noted it would be easier for the government to control the prices if the service is made a fundamental right by law.