The recent hike in the prices of Internet services at mobile phone operators in Mozambique, namely Tmcel, Movitel and Vodacom, has raised widespread concerns. This increase in tariffs was imposed by INCM, generating significant impacts, especially for students who depend on this vital service for their research and academic work.

Price increases, when linked to the country's socio-economic context, prove to be a measure that can compromise access to education. Students, already facing considerable financial challenges, become the main losers. In a reality where the minimum wage is remarkably low and the poverty rate persists at high levels, the rise in mobile Internet tariffs becomes an additional obstacle to the pursuit of knowledge.

It is crucial to consider that education is a fundamental pillar for Mozambique's development. By imposing this financial burden on students, the government runs the risk of obstructing educational progress, limiting access to information and hindering academic development. There is therefore an urgent need to revisit this decision, seeking to balance the financial sustainability of operators with the preservation of democratic access to education via the Internet.

The discrepancy in the treatment of Internet access in Mozambique compared to other countries stands out as a significant gap. In many nations, governments recognize the importance of connectivity for academic development and consequently take responsibility for subsidizing or even providing free Internet access in public educational institutions.

This proactive approach aims to reduce disparities in access to information, promoting educational equity. Countries that adopt this model understand that investing in student connectivity is actually an investment in the country's future. On the other hand, in Mozambique, the recent increase in the price of mobile Internet services can be perceived as a step backwards, as it goes against the global trend of promoting digital accessibility to improve education.

The urgent need to align local policies with international best practices is becoming clear. By prioritizing Internet access as a fundamental tool for learning, the government could adopt similar measures, ensuring that students in public schools and universities in Mozambique have easy access to online information, without the financial barriers imposed by the recent change in service prices.

Ultimately, connectivity is a crucial enabler for educational progress and socio-economic development. By reconsidering the implications of these changes in the prices of mobile Internet services and embracing strategies more in line with global access to education, the Mozambican government could ensure a more inclusive educational environment conducive to the country's advancement.

Article by Guga Macovane