There has been an ongoing tussle with the Zimbabwe Ministry of ICT and the mobile operator, Telecel. Now, according to reports, the Government of Zimbabwe yesterday released an order mandating Telecel to cease operation.
This new development came as a result of Telecel’s refusal to pay the license renewal fees of USD 137.5 million in due time, as well as violating the indigenization laws. Though the network was switched off temporarily, there was a high possibility of Telecel being closed as no positive response was given by them.
“That Telecel Zimbabwe must cease operations because they don’t have a licence is a decision that has already been adopted by cabinet. There is a cabinet committee in place to execute the decision by cabinet,” said Minister Mandiwanzira.
Sources in Zimbabwe say, “The government’s decision to cut the firm’s licence is not an easy one to execute. Due consideration has to be given to subscribers and employees of the telcos’ before its operating licence is revoked.”
