ISPs to be penalized for failure to meet new internet agreement

Ilyas Ahmed, CEO, Communication Authority of Maldives (CAM) | Photo: Thiladhun

Malé, Maldives – Communication Authority of Maldives stated that ISPs will be regularly monitored to see whether they are maintaining the new prices for the internet and whether their services are up to the standards specified in the agreement and that they will be fined if they fail to do so.

Speaking at the #Netuheyo function held today, CEO of the Communication Authority of Maldives (CAM) Ilyas Ahmed said that the government will try to provide the citizens with the full profit of the newly announced internet prices. He notes that if ISPs are not abiding by the agreement, action will be taken against them.

According to the internet specifications announced today, the throttle speeds for residential broadband cannot be lower than 2Mbps in the Maldives. In addition, for packages above MVR 300, the throttle speed is not to decrease below 5Mbps. Residential internet package prices are to decrease by 28 to 30 percent starting July 1 while mobile data changes are set to go into effect from October 1.

Reducing the price of the internet was one of the most important vows made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih when he came into power. Referring to this, Minister Shauna said that today marks a milestone after much effort and discussion to fulfil President Solih’s vow to reduce internet prices. She also thanked the tech industry for their feedback in bringing the changes.

The managing teams of Ooredoo and Dhiraagu took part in today’s #Netuheyo function in which they agreed to reduce the internet prices and improve the quality of their services after discussions with the government.

CEO and Managing Director of Dhiraagu Ismail Rasheed said that the internet is now connected with all aspects of our life and that it is essentially important for the development of a tropical country such as the Maldives. He reassured that Dhiraagu will fully cooperate in implementing the new regulations regarding the internet.

In addition, the CEO of Ooredoo Najeeb Khan also reassured that Ooredoo will full cooperate and that the company will not stop providing internet to every nook and corner of the country. He added that the company is currently making small investments in the field as well