The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) appears to have backtracked on a revised fine levied against mobile telecommunications operator MTN, and yesterday raised the amount.
On 2 December, MTN received a letter from the NCC to the effect that the fine had been reduced by 35%. Yesterday, however, a second letter was received, informing MTN that the fine had actually been reduced by 25%.
The original fine was $5,2-billion (R71-billion), made up of $200 000.00 for each subscriber the operator didn’t deregister.
The revised fine has to be paid by 31 December 2015.
MTN states that it is carefully considering both letters, and executive chairman Phuthuma Nhleko will immediately and urgently re-engage with the Nigerian authorities before responding formally.
“It is essential for the company to follow due process to ensure the best outcome for the company, its stakeholders and the Nigerian authorities, and accordingly all factors having a bearing on the situation will be thoroughly and carefully considered before the Company arrives at a final decision,” it states.
