Analysing a Transnational Advocacy Network of Internet Data Affordability in Malawi

Abstract

This paper analysed how advocacy groups and consumers influenced government, telecommunications regulators, and mobile network operators to reduce the cost of internet data. The study used a case of Malawi as an example of a low-income country with high cost of internet. Transnational advocacy network theory was used to analyse secondary data from online databases, websites of regulatory organisations, online news, and social media posts. The findings showed that transnational advocacy network drew members from international, regional and local organisations. Consumers also participated in the transnational advocacy network. Information sharing was crucial in highlighting the high cost of internet data in the country. Local network actors used information, symbolic, leverage, and accountability politics to persuade government agencies, the telecommunications regulators, and mobile network operators to reduce the cost of internet data. The study provides insights into the understanding of issues related to internet data affordability in the context of a developing country.