(Ecofin Agency) - In a statement released on May 17, 2017, the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA) announced that it has imposed a Rwf7 billion ($8.5 million) fine to MTN Rwanda for infringing terms of telecom license. The regulator accused the operator of moving its IT unit to Uganda.
Prior to issuing the sanction, RURA said it has given MTN Rwanda a chance to explain. Following a court audience the regulatory board gave the telecom firm, on May 4 2017, MTN admitted it indeed moved out of the country, against the terms of its licence. Therefore the fine was imposed in respect to regulation.
On its website, MTN Rwanda recognized it was notified of the regulator’s sanction regarding the breaching of its licence obligations. “MTN Rwanda is currently studying the official notification and will continue to engage with the regulator on this matter,” reads the related statement from the firm’s Corporate Affairs division.