Tanzanian telecommunication operators that fail to deliver quality service will be fined or imprisoned, the Minister of Communication, Science and Technology said yesterday (Monday) to the Parliament.
Addressing parliament, Minister Makame Mbarawa announced impending fines of up to TZS5 million (US$3,074) for poor quality of telecom services without proper explanation to subscribers.
Mbarawa explained poor of quality of services discouraged investment in the country as companies hold telecoms accountable for service delivery through service level agreements.
An incident with operator Tigo in November last year was used as an example of terminated services without explanation.
A threatened imprisonment of five to six months is said to be the punishment for cases like these to occur in the future.
A member of parliament questioned the government on its responsibility towards citizens in cases where telecoms do not comply with reliable standards.
Without denying the validity of the claims, the minister offered an explanation, relating the overburdened system led to technical issues in Dar Es Salaam.
Despite destroyed equipment such as the mobile switch centre, base station controller and radio network controller, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority has demanded a plan of preparation from Tigo to assure better performance in the future.
