Macra confiscates Internet equipment

Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has confiscated equipment for Fast Networks Limited’s equipment for allegedly operating illegally an international gateway fiber link to provide Internet services in Karonga without a licence.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Macra said they confiscated the equipment after their routine monitoring that has also led to the arrest of the company’s two directors.

Reads the statement in part: “Macra wishes to inform the general public that through its routine monitoring, it has confiscated equipment for Fast Networks Limited for illegally operating an international gateway fiber link to provide Internet services. The malpractice has further resulted in the arrest of two directors who are awaiting a court hearing.”

The statement says the company contravened the Communications Act of 2016 Section 31(1) which states that a person shall not provide electronic communications services except in accordance with a licence issued by Macra.

In an interview, Macra communications manager Zadziko Mankhambo said besides the legality of the matter, there are several issues such as consumer protection, competition and quality of services that have to be looked into in a service provider.

He said: “Licensed operators are prescribed with standards which must be adhered to. These standards include handling of consumer complaints because unlicensed operators don’t abide by the set standards.”

Mankhambo has since urged any people interested to venture in communications services as Internet service providers to acquire a licence by submitting to Macra a licence application, pay prescribed licence fee and submit documents such as registration certificate, financial information and business technical plans.

Karonga Police Station spokesperson Maston Muyira confirmed the arrest of the two directors on Thursday.

He said if found guilty, the two will pay a fine of K5 million and serve a jail sentence of five years.