The Government of Maldives has begun negotiations with telecommunication companies, Dhiraagu and Ooredoo Maldives to slash internet rates.
The negotiations with the two biggest internet providers in the country are being carried out by a delegation headed by the Minister of Communication, Science and Technology Mohamed Maleeh Jamal. CEO and Managing Director of Dhiraagu Ismail Rasheed is heading the company's delegation while the Ooredoo delegation is headed by the CEO Najib Khan.
In the South Asia region, Maldives has the most expensive internet service. This is regardless of the fact Maldives have greatest percentage of internet users in the population. 54.46% of the Maldivian population use the internet, according to the ICT Development Index.
Globally, Maldives ranks 81st when it comes to the percentage of internet users, which is about 270,000 people.
Slashing internet rates is one of the presidential pledges of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Ministry of Communication, Science and Technology has carried out a research into internet rates in 25 countries.