A secret conference between Somaliland's top three telecom companies — Somtel, Telesom, and Soltelco — led to a coordinated 200%+ internet price hike, according to a Buraopost investigation. The move has triggered national outrage and exposed deep cracks in digital access and corporate transparency.
"It was a mutual agreement. All three companies committed to the hike simultaneously to avoid competition under pressure."
Hargeisa — What began as a wave of public outrage over a sudden 100% increase in daily internet bundles by Somaliland’s largest telecoms has now escalated into a full-blown national controversy. After a detailed investigation by the Buraopost Investigative Desk, it has been confirmed that not only daily bundles but all internet services have experienced a steep price increase exceeding 200%, orchestrated through a secret conference attended by Somaliland's three dominant telecom providers — Somtel, Telesom, and the newly launched Soltelco.
This coordinated pricing change, carried out in secret and implemented across the sector, is sending shockwaves across the country and threatening the digital future of Somaliland.
Investigation Confirms Coordinated Price Surge
According to confidential documents and insider testimonies obtained by the Buraopost Investigative Desk, the three telecom companies held a closed-door meeting just days before the nationwide price changes took effect. The meeting, described by insiders as a "strategic alignment," took place at an undisclosed location and involved top executives from the telecom sector, reportedly in response to new government tax policies under the administration of President Abdirahman Irro.
The investigation reveals that these price hikes were not the result of market demand or technical infrastructure upgrades, but rather a premedit ated decision to pass on newly introduced government taxes on digital services directly to the public.
“It was a mutual agreement. All three companies committed to the hike simultaneously to avoid competition under pressure,” revealed a source with direct knowledge of the meeting.
"The companies acted to protect their profits, even if it meant violating public trust."
Soltelco Joins the Price Hike — Public Trust Diminishes
Soltelco, which had recently gained popularity by maintaining its $0.50 per 30-hour offer, has now joined Somtel and Telesom in raising prices — a move that has devastated public perception of the company. Many Somalilanders had pinned their hopes on Soltelco as a fresh alternative to the older giants.
“It’s the biggest betrayal of all. Soltelco had the chance to stand with the people — now they’ve chosen to side with the oppressors,” said Khadra, a youth activist in Hargeisa.
The new prices apply not only to daily bundles but also weekly and monthly internet plans, mobile data packages, and business internet services, in some cases with increases of over 200%.
The Tax Burden: Blaming the New Government
Sources close to the telecom operators have pointed fingers at the newly elected government of President Abdirahman Irro, accusing it of implementing aggressive taxation policies through the General Services Directorate (GSD). These taxes include new levies on digital services, mobile transactions, and telecom infrastructure licensing.
“The government is taxing everything — every gigabyte, every call, every SIM card registration. The companies are simply passing the cost along,” said a telecom policy consultant based in Borama.
The Ministry of Telecommunications and Technology has not publicly commented on the claims. However, insiders suggest that high-level meetings between government officials and telecom executives have been taking place behind closed doors for months, laying the groundwork for this sudden surge in service costs.
Telesom's Employment Controversy Reignites
Alongside pricing concerns, the investigation has uncovered long-standing complaints about Telesom’s hiring practices, particularly its tendency to prioritize foreign workers over qualified Somaliland citizens. Several whistleblowers have alleged that Telesom has consistently refused to hire local engineers, developers, and customer support staff, instead importing workers from neighboring countries.
"We are qualified and ready, but our own companies won’t employ us,” said Mohamed Said, a computer science graduate who applied to Telesom six times with no success.
This policy has created deep resentment among local jobseekers, especially the youth, and is seen as contributing to growing unemployment despite the booming telecom sector.
Public calls for transparency and accountability from Telesom have intensified following this revelation, with some activists demanding a government-led audit of Telesom’s employment records.
The People's Outcry — Betrayed and Disconnected
Across social media platforms, protest hashtags like #InternetIsARight and #BoycottTelecoms have gone viral. Influencers, students, digital entrepreneurs, and ordinary users are calling for nationwide boycotts, urging citizens to disconnect from services until prices are reversed.
“They planned this together in secret. This isn’t free market competition — it’s a cartel,” said Amina Warsame, a civil rights advocate in Burao.
In cities and towns, discussions about the telecom betrayal dominate tea shops, university classrooms, and mosque courtyards. The emotional tone is one of disappointment, betrayal, and helplessness.
“When three companies unite to hurt six million people, that’s not business — that’s oppression,” added Amina.
Fallout: Collapse of Public Trust & Market Realignment
Public trust in all three telecom providers has collapsed almost overnight. Customer service centers are facing mass walk-ins of users demanding refunds or seeking to cancel their lines. Others are switching off their phones in protest.
Experts say the telecom giants are on the brink of losing 100% of their public support if no corrective action is taken immediately.
“When trust is broken this deeply, it’s hard to rebuild. The market is ripe for disruption,” said Hodan Omar, an economist at a Hargeisa-based think tank.
A Breeding Ground for New Competitors
While the damage is vast, opportunity is also emerging. The crisis has opened the door for new telecom startups, especially those backed by diaspora investors or offering internet-over-satellite services. Interest is growing in decentralized communication solutions, Wi-Fi mesh networks, and open-access community internet.
Several diaspora-led initiatives are already being planned in Nairobi, London, and Toronto to launch Somaliland-friendly digital platforms that prioritize transparency and affordability.
“We can’t rely on monopolies anymore. The future is in independent, open-access networks,” said Mahad Jama, a software developer and digital rights advocate.
A Defining Crisis in Somaliland’s Digital History
This crisis has exposed not only the fragility of Somaliland’s telecom sector but also the consequences of unregulated power, opaque government-industry relations, and the lack of digital rights protection.
If reforms do not come soon, Somaliland risks a full digital regression, leaving millions disconnected, disempowered, and excluded from modern development.
The people have spoken. Whether the government and the telecom giants will listen — or continue down this dangerous path — remains to be seen.
“We built this market. We supported these companies. Now they’re using their power against us. But we won’t be silent,” said activist Safia Duale.
