(Ecofin Agency) - Internet Service Provider (ISP) Raha Liquid Telecom was fined 11.8 billion shillings ($5.1 million) on August 28, 2020. The company was punished by the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA) for violation of the Communications Act. Raha Liquid Telecom is accused of using radio frequencies in the band 1452-1482 MHz without a valid license since March 24, 2020.

"Let me put it clearly, use of frequency is a very sensitive issue for security purposes. That is why no one is allowed to use it without a permit from a regulator, therefore, the company has violated communication regulations,” said James Kilaba, MD of TCRA.

Raha Liquid Telecom is also fined 40 million shillings ($17,000) for its failure to provide Internet services, failure to submit financial statements, failure to submit an annual strategic plan for human resource development, and failure to submit a new license application on time.

The telecom regulator gave Raha Liquid Telecom 90 days to pay these fines. The MD said the company can go to the competent court if it considers the penalties to be unfair.