Blantyre, Malawi — Rural communities can now easily access mobile phone units under the newly introduced Telecom Networks Malawi [TNM] community phone programme.

TNM statistics indicate that more than half of the initial 70 Community Phone Units [CPU] has been distributed. The rest will be distributed very soon to private operators who are expected to make at least 35% profit out of the business.

Launched barely a week ago with the aim of improving the livelihood and lifestyles of the rural population, the programme is tilt in line with the provisions of a licence TNM got from the communications governing body, Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority [MACRA], according to TNM Chief Executive Officer, Rashim Gazari.

"Our licence provides that we should roll out phones to the most underprivileged in the society because communication is a privilege which most Malawians don't have. We want to ensure that within a minute or two, one should be able to reach a place where they can access a phone," said Gazari.

He said that TNM intends to extend it's network coverage to such areas as Ekwendeni, Chintheche, Mponela, Muloza, Phalombe and Ntaja as a way of ensuring that the country is well covered.

Gazari said that this is in line with the international agreement in Geneva that by the year 2015, all rural communities of the world must have easy access to telecommunication.

"Currently, less than two - percent of our people have access to telephones which is not healthy for any country in this era of information technology," said Gazari, suggesting that stakeholders should be encouraged to set up rural telecommunication centres.

In a related interview, MACRA Director General, Evance Namanja asked TNM to lower prices for units used in the phones considering that rural communities in general have problems in accessing phone and other technological services.

He said that this would help in amassing support for the programme as cell phones are very expensive and many people cannot afford them although they are the only available mobile phone units.

"MACRA hopes that by 2015 everyone will access telephones as projected by the Geneva convention.

That is also why we have given many licences to ground telephone operators. It is all aimed at helping in filling the communications gap," said Namanja.

The mobile phone units cost TNM US$500 each and are currently being operated under TNM as perinitial recommendations.

With production of more units as the programme expands, TNM is pioneering for private operators who will make a projected 35% profit.

Currently, TNM charges K15 per minute in calls made within the same network and a little more in any external call. The lower initial charge on the CPUs is being reviewed to make it more palatable.-o- Malawi standard