The Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) has imposed a fine of Rwf 7,030,000,000 (Approx. UShs31 billion) on MTN Rwanda over what they referred to as “non-compliance with its license obligations.”
According to a statement by Rwanda telecommunications regulator, RURA, MTN Rwanda Limited implemented IT managed services under an MTN Regional hub outside the country.
This, the Authority says, was in contravention of the directive issued by RURA.
“MTN Rwanda Limited proceeded with this implementation despite having discussed the matter with the regulator and having been warned that such action would constitute a serious breach of license obligations and appropriate measures would be taken,” the statement reads in part.
RURA argues that “by doing so, MTN Rwanda breached its license obligations requiring it to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and any other regulatory instruments issued by the competent Authority.”
MTN Rwanda has reportedly admitted to the breach.
This is not the first time MTN Rwanda has been fined by the regulator although reasons differ.
In 2012, RURA imposed a Rwf 3 million daily fine on MTN over poor services reported by subscribers including network failures, dropped calls, unclear calls and slow internet.
MTN is still the biggest telecommunications network in Rwanda.