The Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Hon. Lamin Jabbi, on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, addressed concerns in the National Assembly over high mobile data prices, confirming that the revival of Comium under Monty Mobile has increased competition and significantly reduced tariffs for Gambians.
Responding to a question from the Member for Banjul Central, the Minister noted that before 2022, data prices averaged $5.86 per GB, about 44 percent above the global average. Limited broadband penetration, unreliable electricity supply, and low investment in network infrastructure by operators such as Gamcel and Comium contributed to the high costs.
He explained that Comium’s “Diya Promo,” a low-tariff initiative, forced major players to revise their rates downward. The resurgence of Comium also led to increased adoption of 4G LTE services, improving broadband capacity while lowering average costs for consumers.
According to him, the data from the Ministry shows that by the second quarter of 2025, Comium had grown from almost zero to 800,000 active users, becoming the second-largest operator in terms of data traffic. Meanwhile, market share distribution stood at Africell 62.82 percent, Qcell 31.46 percent, Gamcel 3.2 percent, and Comium 2.51 percent.
The Minister explained that PURA, the telecom regulator, is now completing a cost-of-service study to establish scientifically-based pricing, with a price ceiling and floor to guide operators. A high-level committee comprising representatives from the Ministry, PURA, the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, and the Attorney General’s Chambers has already submitted its recommendations to the President.
“This committee ensures fair competition while protecting consumers from predatory pricing,” the Minister said, adding that ongoing monitoring and regulation will prevent market exploitation by dominant operators in the future.
However, he attributed the sharp reduction in data tariffs to increased competition, improved network infrastructure, and rising broadband usage. With 4G and 5G technologies now deployed widely, mobile internet is expected to become more accessible and affordable in the coming years, benefiting both households and businesses.
