After Askanwi Exposé, Africell and QCell Cut Data Prices as Gamcel Remains in Breach
Telecoms and PURA
By Yusef Taylor, @FlexDan_YT
After Askanwi blew the whistle yesterday, 6th January 2026, Africell and QCell revised their data tariffs from D130 to D65 per 1GB. This leaves Gamcel as the only telecom operator still charging D130 per 1GB—D55 above the price ceiling set by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
PURA had announced that all telecom operators must charge no more than D75 per 1GB, effective 1st January 2026. However, six days after the price ceiling came into effect, only Comium was observed to be in compliance, prompting our journalist to contact PURA without success.
Following our publication and accompanying video, PURA responded, stating that it is aware of the breach and has written to telecom operators to enforce compliance. PURA Senior Economist, Mr Ebou Nget, informed our reporter that telecoms have been given one week to comply with the new price ceiling, which was issued on 19th December 2025.
Cost of 1GB last checked 7th January 2026 © Askanwi
Our reporter questioned why there was no delay when PURA announced an increase in data tariffs, yet technical challenges are now being cited when consumers are expected to benefit. In response, Mr Nget explained that “if they [telecoms] don’t implement it as the determination requires, we have to enforce.”
The reporter further asked whether telecom operators would be compelled to refund customers who were overcharged during the past six days. Mr Nget responded, “What they [telecoms] have to do first is to explain to us why they were not complying. Based on that non-compliance, we will determine whether it is genuine or not.”
He acknowledged that consumers had suffered financial losses, stating, “Consumers have lost some financial gain because they were supposed to be paying less but instead paid more. These issues must be factored in during enforcement. However, this process has stages.”
Explaining the next steps, Mr Nget cautioned against pre-empting any decision. “The first stage is to ensure a fair hearing by writing to them to explain why they are not compliant. Based on their response, we can determine whether their reasons are insufficient and then outline the possible fines.”
Cost of 1GB of Data by Telecoms taken 7th Jan 2026
Our reporter also spoke to Gamcel’s General Manager, Ms Fatou Fatty, to ascertain why the company was still charging D130 per 1GB—D55 above the price ceiling. Ms Fatty explained that the technician responsible for their system resides outside the country and was on holiday. She said efforts are underway to ensure the tariff is revised to below the price ceiling by tomorrow morning.
Ms Fatty also clarified that Gamcel’s 1GB data bundle costs D130, the same as Africell and QCell previously charged, and not D270 per 1GB as reported by Askanwi yesterday. The latest screenshot received by Askanwi today confirms that Gamcel is currently charging D130 per 1GB, which remains D55 above the PURA-mandated ceiling.
Follow Askanwi Media for confirmation of the expected reduction in Gamcel’s data tariff tomorrow.
