A Zambia passed a law in parliament that prevents internet providers from prescribing expiration dates on internet packages purchased by customers.
Zambian MPs said imposing expiration dates is tantalizing customers because expired packages benefit service providers rather than end users. Zambians depend on internet connectivity and that this service should be implemented for all customers regardless of any time period attached to a specific package.
The operator of corporate communications and government relations for operator Airtel Zambia, Yuyo Kambikambi, said that operators “are an entity that follows due process and are a law-abiding company; therefore, they await more information about the expiry prohibition law in internet packages purchased by customers ”.
Zambia's Minister of Communications and Transport, Mutotwe Kafwaya, promised that the government would "act soon" to address the issue, particularly after the law was passed. However, it is not clear when exactly the law will be applied.
Kafwaya said a recent study conducted by the Zambian Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) revealed that 52% of customers who purchased 500Mb data packages on a monthly basis do not run out of their packages.
The Zambian parliament argues that citizens should be protected from providers and that it is unfair for subscribers to be disconnected if a package is not used within a stipulated time.
