By Modupe Gbadeyanka
These are definitely not the best of times for telecoms giant, MTN, as it has received another fine of about $8.5 million in Rwanda after the Nigerian government slammed a fine of $3.4 billion on it in 2015.
According to reports, MTN Rwanda was fined for running its IT services outside the country, in Uganda precisely, in breach of its operating licence.
Spokesman for Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority, Mr Anthony Kulamba, MTN Rwanda deliberately did this.
“They (MTN Rwanda were) punished for relocating their IT services outside Rwanda, and this was deliberate.
Reacting, MTN Group said it has received a notification about the fine.
The firm said it was “engaging with the regulator on this matter over the past four months.”
It pointed that “MTN Rwanda is currently studying the official notification and will continue to engage with the regulator on this matter.”
Last year, MTN Group recorded a drop in its profit mainly caused by the fine it paid to the Nigerian government, which is yet to be completed.