The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) and Telecom Namibia Limited have struck a settlement agreement over N$67 million in regulatory levies allegedly owed by the telco for the period 2012 to 2018.
However, terms of the settlement are unclear as they were not made public.
“The parties have been engaged in discussions and negotiations over the course of the year and are pleased to announce that the matter is settled amicably,” the two said in a joint statement.
The development comes more than 10 years after the telecoms company had challenged the Constitutionality of Section 23 of the Communications Act (No. 8 of 2009) in the High Court in 2012 in order to determine the constitutionality of the regulatory levies as enforced by CRAN.
“Telecom Namibia is committed to foster better working relations with CRAN in the interest of the Namibian ICT services consumer and to that effect engages the Regulator on an ongoing basis. It is not in the public’s interest, that we spend time and resources in courts. We are committed to meet around the boardroom table and find solutions to the benefit of the public,” Telecom Namibia Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Shanapinda said.
The Telecom CEO said the company is now focused on maintaining good relations with the regulator and all industry players to ensure fast and efficient service delivery to the public.
“Our efforts can now be more focused on engaging industry players, including CRAN, on an ongoing basis to devise strategies that would enhance access to ICT services to a broader Namibian population,” he said.
“As a Public Enterprise, we are accountable to the public and have a responsibility to ensure resources are optimal and responsibly utilised. Our focus remains on reducing the digital divide in the country and bringing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services closer to all Namibians. To that effect, we are focused on maintaining good relations with the regulator and all industry players, to ensure fast and efficient service delivery.”
Commenting on the agreement , CRAN Chief Executive Officer, Emilia Nghikembua said the regulator “remains committed to regulating the industry through robust frameworks that are impactful and that benefit the ICT consumers in respect of price, quality and access.”
