Benin suspends MTN, Atlantique Telecom networks

Telecom regulator of Benin has suspended the networks of two mobile operators late, cutting off nearly 1 million subscribers in a dispute over contracts. The regulator silenced the networks of South Africa-listed MTN and Atlantique Telecom, which is controlled by Emirates Telecommunications. The regulator has suspended the companies’ licenses and threatened to shut down their networks if they did not sign new contracts including a USD 50 million, a 500 percent rise in the operator fee. The new contracts are needed because both networks had changed their names and operators without its permission. The new contracts include a hefty rise in the operator fee after the ATRPT said it planned to increase the fee to CFA 30 billion from 5 billion. The increase would be retroactive, that means each company would pay an additional CFA 25 billion to the state.

Wireless Mobile Telecom Wireless News