Telecel, Zimbabwe’s smallest mobile network operator (MNO) has managed to pay a commitment installed of $5 million towards the $137.5 million required license fees for MNOs.
In a press release dated 30 June the recently appointed CEO Angeline Vere announced that Telecel had met the deadline for the installment which was due in June and that they are now working towards meeting the next installment which is in December of this year.
This move shows a commitment on Telecel’s part to regularise relations with the authorities in an attempt to restore full services and confidence with subscribers.
The press statement may be taken as a deliberate campaign by Telecel to pacify fears by subscribers and stakeholder after the temporary victory granted them by the High Court after a protracted wrangle with the authorities.
Telecel has in the past issued similar statements purporting to have made payment although in May it turned out that their bankers MetBank had failed to effect the transfer on their behalf apparently because of liquidity challenges. Telecel ended up having to source funding for a further $6 million to cover the gap.
Telecel which was under fire earlier from POTRAZ for failing to satisfy their Telecommunication licence requirements by failure to service the Licence Renewal Agreement with the government, managed to get a reprieve at the High Court to continue operating while they put their house in order, including coming up with a plan that satisfies the regulating body, and Government by extension.
The situation had deteriorated to the extent that the High court appeal was an attempt by Telecel to regain its mandate to continue operating after government had revoked it and given the MNO 30 days to wind down.
Telecel was granted an interdict which effectively suspended the cancellation of the licence, opening way for further discussions between Telecel and the authorities.
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