ZICTA has fined all three mobile network operators with K5.4 million for failure to provide quality service to its subscribers, with Airtel being the worst culprit and slapped with the highest fine of K4.8 million.

In a statement issued by ZICTA corporate communications manager Ngabo Nankonde, Thursday, the authority fined Airtel Zambia with K4.8 million, Zamtel with K450,000, while MTN was fined the lowest at only K225,000 for various offenses, which mainly included failure to provide quality of service to their respective subscribers.

“Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) has fined the three Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) – Airtel Networks Zambia Plc, Zamtel Limited, and MTN Zambia Limited, a total of ZMW5.4 million for failure to adhere to the Quality of Service (QoS) guidelines issued by ZICTA, April and June, 2020, respectively,” Nankonde stated.

“Airtel has been fined a total of ZMW4,800,000 for failing to meet the following QoS parameters: (i) call setup success rate in Chipata, Kalulushi, and Lusaka; (ii) the drop rate in Ndola, and Lusaka; and (iii) HTTP download rate on 3G in Chisamba. Zamtel has been fined a total ZMW450,000 for failing to meet the following QoS parameters; (i) call setup success rate in Chingola, Lusaka and Kitwe; and (ii) HTTP successful Internet log-ins in Chingola, Chipata, and Kitwe. MTN has been fined ZMW225,000 for failing to meet the HTTP success Internet log-in in Chipata, Ndola, and Chisamba.”

Nankonde added that the fines had been imposed following the failure by the three mobile network service providers to improve the quality of service, even after the seven days’ ultimatum, which was given to them.

“In imposing these fines, the authority took into account the MNOs’ effort to improve the quality of service on their respective networks. The fines were imposed on the MNOs on August 26, 2020, and a period of seven days was given within which the MNOs should pay the fines. ZICTA further warned the MNOs that continued breach of the QoS guidelines will result in further enforcement action,” stated Nankonde.

“ZICTA will continue to conduct QoS monitoring inspections in the various parts of the country and consumers are encouraged to continue reporting to ZICTA incidents of poor quality of service experienced, specifying the location and the time they experienced poor quality service.”