Kenya, May 25 -- A new bill tabled in Parliament seeks to revolutionize how internet usage is billed in the country, proposing a meter-based system for all internet subscribers.
The legislation, introduced this week, mandates that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) assign unique meter numbers to each subscriber and report usage data to the Communications Authority at least annually.
Under the proposed system, ISPs would track data consumption similarly to utility services like electricity or water, potentially charging users based on their actual internet usage rather than fixed-rate plans.
The bill aims to enhance transparency in billing practices and ensure fair usage across networks, according to its bill sponsors.
The Communications Authority would receive detailed reports from ISPs, including data on individual subscriber usage, to monitor compliance and inform regulatory policies.
Proponents of the bill argue it will promote accountability and optimize resource allocation in the telecommunications sector.
However, the proposal has sparked concerns among consumers about potential cost increases and privacy implications.
A key question raised is whether Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) could bypass the metering system.
Cybersecurity experts note that while VPNs encrypt internet traffic and mask user activity from ISPs, they do not inherently reduce or bypass data usage.
ISPs can still measure the total volume of data transmitted through a VPN, meaning metering would likely remain effective regardless of VPN use.
Critics of the bill, including digital rights advocates, warn that the metering system could disproportionately affect low-income households and limit access to affordable internet.
Public consultations on the bill are expected to begin next month, with stakeholders urged to submit feedback to Parliament.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.