NCA Warns Expresso of Moves to Revoke Its License

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has formally notified Telecom Operator, Expresso, of its intention to terminate its Mobile Cellular license.

According to the NCA, the move is due to the inability of Expreeso, formerly called Kasapa to meet its regulatory obligations.

The move is also aimed at ensuring compliance and protecting telecom consumers.

Expresso’s license was granted in December 2004 for a period of fifteen years and was scheduled to expire in December 2019, but the telco has failed to meet regulatory requirements for sometime now.

Expresso had last month appealed for an extension of the timeline, leading to possible revocation of its license.

The workers’ union also told Citi Business News, efforts to secure an investor may turnaround the fortunes of the company, soon.

The Minister of Communications, Ursula Owusu Ekuful had by then served notice the National Communications Authority (NCA) will be compelled to revoke the company’s license if it fails to improve its operations within the time offered.

According to the Authority, the grounds for this intended action include:

1. Default of payment of annual regulatory fees since 2014
2. Inability to offer licensed services and coverage obligations since 2014
3. Engagement in anti-competitive practices by terminating/Transitting international traffic as domestic traffic on other networks
4. Failure to settle fees for usage of microwave frequencies
5. Inability to meet financial obligations to other operators in respect of Interconnection payments
6. Failure to meet financial obligations to Porting XS, the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) Service Provider
7. A recent switch off of the network without due notice to the Regulator.

The NCA further cautioned that, Expresso to meet its contractual obligations to all stakeholders, including the NCA, employees and other service providers.

It added that it will continue to streamline the industry to ensure compliance and also guarantee that Ghanaians benefit collectively from the scarce national resources.

Source: Citibusinessnews