The National Telecommunications Commission (NaTCA) has imposed fines of Le500 million (Old Leones) each on Africell and Orange, the two largest mobile network operators in Sierra Leone, for violating the National Communications Act of 2022.
The penalties were issued on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, following multiple notifications urging the companies to regularize their mobile money operations.
Both operators have been accused of offering mobile money services without proper licensing from NaTCA, the country’s regulatory body. In a letter sent to Africell and Orange, NaTCA warned that continued non-compliance would result in the companies being considered illegal entities.
When approached for comment, NaTCA Director General Amara Brewah confirmed the fines but declined to provide further details.
In contrast, Q-Money, operated by Qcell, has reportedly begun the process of regularizing its mobile money services.
NaTCA officials have praised Qcell as a “law-abiding company.”
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