ARTEC \u201cformally urged mobile operators to consider reducing rates<\/strong> to make services more affordable<\/strong> for consumers\u201d, emphasising that high internet costs continue to limit access to digital services across the country, according to a Ecofin Agency report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Madagascar\u2019s Minister of Digital Development, Posts and Telecommunications, St\u00e9phanie Delmotte<\/strong>, highlighted the importance of affordability. \u201cThe time has come to align with international<\/strong> best practices. No matter what, we are committed to reducing internet costs so that the majority of the population can access these data services<\/strong>,\u201d said Delmotte.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lower data costs <\/strong>could expand access<\/strong> to online betting platforms, enabling more players to enjoy digital <\/strong>gambling services with reliable connectivity. While high internet costs have been a barrier, mobile data spending represented 6.28 per cent of gross national income per capita in 2023, over three times the 2 percent affordability benchmark<\/strong> recommended by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connectivity is improving, with internet penetration rising to 32.57 per cent in 2023, up from 20.4 per cent the previous year, creating promising opportunities for growth<\/strong> in Madagascar\u2019s online gaming sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ARTEC clarified it does not have the authority to directly set operator prices but acts to \u201cfacilitate dialogue<\/strong> and promote fair<\/strong>, sustainable and inclusive solutions across the digital ecosystem\u201d. The review began in late 2024 and has already led to \u201can initial adjustment<\/strong> of existing rates\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Earlier in 2024, the government introduced a minimum<\/strong> price for 1 GB of mobile data to ensure fair competition, but the policy was later revoked in May. ARTEC\u2019s current initiative builds on this background, aiming to make internet access more affordable and sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In other African markets<\/strong>, reduced mobile data tariffs have correlated with increased participation in digital gambling, suggesting Madagascar could see similar trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gambling in Madagascar is legal and regulated, with land-based casinos, lotteries and sports betting operating under the Gambling Act of 1998 <\/strong>and related legislation. While online sports and horse\u2011race betting are legal for licensed operators under Decree No. 7974\/2018<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ARTEC\u2019s push for affordability reflects a broader commitment to digital inclusion<\/strong>, potentially reshaping the country\u2019s online services landscape, from e-commerce and streaming to the emerging online gambling market.<\/p>\n\n\nLower data costs boost digital access<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/focusgn.com\/africa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2025\/10\/LATEST-UGANDA-_--300x200.jpg\")
<\/p>\n