Orascom Telecom is to discuss the renewal of Telecel Zimbabwe’s mobile operator’s licence with the Zimbabwean Ministry of Transport, Communication and Infrastructural Development this month.
NewsDay reports a team from Orascom, Telecel’s parent company, will engage the ministry this week over the renewal.
HumanIPO reported last month Telecel had been asked by the government to address shareholding issues before being allowed to renew its licence, with Telecel subsequently indicating its willingness to comply with the company’s new indigenisation policies.
Telecel has been told it must be at least 51 per cent locally-owned after its previous licence expired.
Company spokesperson Obert Mandimika confirmed the Orascom team had arrived in Zimbabwe for the talks.
“We can confirm that representatives from our parent company will be here this week to meet relevant authorities regarding the licence renewal for Telecel Zimbabwe,” Mandimika told NewsDay.
He added the company was making efforts to comply with the indigenisation laws.
HumanIPO reported in May licence fees for mobile operators had been increased to US$137.5 million for 20 years from US$100 million for a 15 year licence, as the government looked to encourage growth.
Operators will also pay an annual licence fee of two per cent of revenue, and contribute to the Universal Services Fund (0.5 per cent of revenue).
