Mobile operator Vodacom announced on June 21 it has reached an agreement with the government to revoke suspension of its 2G license. The information was confirmed by John Aluku, the Director of the office of the Telecom Minister.

“A deal is concluded with Vodacom Congo which commits to comply with the government requirements,” the official said. However, deal clauses are not revealed but they might include the $65 million claimed by the State for the operation of the license.

A week ago, when the license suspension was announced, the telecom minister Emery Okundji indicated that the Directorate General of Administrative, Judicial, State and Participation Revenue (DGRAD) had been instructed to proceed with the forced recovery of evaded duties and penalties for the illegal exploitation of telecommunications activities.

By allowing Vodacom Congo to re-operate its 2G license, the Congolese government is guaranteeing access to telecoms services to nearly 12 million customers. Although Vodacom already offers 3G and 4G in the country, 2G is still the most widely used mobile technology.