By Amin Kef Sesay
Daniel Kaitibi, who happens to be the Director General of the National Telecommunications Commission, (NATCOM) has resolved, in an amicable manner, the impasse between Qcell Mobile Company and the two other telecommunications companies, Orange and Africell.
He stated, in very sincere terms, that his responsibility is geared towards ensuring quality service delivery to the populace as well as also making sure that a peaceful relationship exists amongst Mobile Network Operators as enshrined in the Telecommunications Act of 2006, as amended.
The result-oriented Director-General of NATCOM gave assurance to the public that under his astute leadership the telecommunications service providers will continue to work in peace for the growth of their businesses and customers’ satisfaction.
In a signed joint communique dated 19th May 2020, all the four Mobile Network Operators, in furtherance of the Commission’s mandate as provided for in Sections 52, 53 and 54 of the Telecommunications Act of 2006, agreed that Africell and Orange Companies immediately interconnect with Qcell on their respective networks.
It was also agreed that all the Mobile Companies should fully comply with the floor price (Le. 590per minute) for off-net and on-net voice calls, adding that they should desist from unnecessary allegations that has the potential to defame the goodwill of other mobile network operators and the regulator.
In order to enforce this communique, they agreed that violators are liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred million Leones.
One of the Civil Society activists that have been calling on NATCOM to facilitate such a move commended the Director General for his stewardship in answering to the call of the public.
Alhassan Conteh, the Spokesman of the Consortium on Services For Citizens said that NATCOM has got the right leadership, but called on him to continue the good work.
