North Western State of Somalia Declares Coordinated Internet Price Hike Illegal After Public Outcry

North Western State of Somalia declares coordinated internet price hike illegal

North Western State of Somalia’s government has ruled that a recent, simultaneous internet price increase by telecommunications companies was unlawful and incompatible with the region’s free‑market system. A ministerial committee said the coordinated move lacked legal basis and was reversed within days after public backlash across major towns and online. Officials said prices must reflect competition and market forces, not joint action by service providers.

• The government review found the August 8 price hike violated competitive market practices.
• Telecom companies withdrew the increase following intense public pressure.
• Officials framed the decision as a defense of free-market rules and consumer interests.

Officials cite free-market principles and unlawful coordination

Communications and Technology Minister Jamaal Mohamed Jama said the committee met internet service providers and examined their justification before determining the coordinated increase could not stand. Aviation and Airports Development Minister Fu’aad Ahmed Nuux, who read the decisions publicly, said aligning prices at the same time and level, in ways that harm the public, is barred under North Western State of Somalia’s market system. Authorities emphasized that supply, demand, and competition—not collective action—should determine pricing.

• The committee said firms had “no legal basis” to jointly raise internet prices.
• Officials described the simultaneous move as an unlawful agreement that distorted the market.
• The government reiterated that any arrangement harming consumers is prohibited.

Public backlash triggers rapid reversal

The August 8 hike sparked widespread outcry in major towns and on social media, underscoring the public’s reliance on affordable connectivity. The uproar pushed telecom companies to roll back the increase within days. Officials said the episode highlighted the sensitivity of digital access in the region and the need for pricing to remain responsive to genuine competition.

• Users voiced strong objections online and in local communities.
• Companies reversed the hike amid sustained public criticism.
• The government linked the response to the essential role of affordable internet.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.