The Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), which is in charge of regulatory policing for the ICT sector in the country is under scrutiny after awarding Jamii Telecoms Limited, popularly referred to as JTL, a KES 2.5 billion mobile phone service license. Similar to Wananchi Group, JTL is a tier 2 telecommunication company that is known for operating Faiba, and this makes the circumstances surrounding the licensing questionable.
JTL license is for the 700 MHz frequency that comes second to the 800 MHz in terms of digital dividends. While the freeing of the 800 MHz spectrum was availed to tier 1 companies (Safaricom, Airtel Kenya and Telkom Kenya) at a cost of KES 7.5 billion (each paid KES 2.5 billion), JTL paid KES 10000 for its 700 MHz license.
According to the Daily Nation, other telcos have forwarded their complaints to the ICT watchdog’s director-general, Mr. Francis Wagusi in a bid to understand why JTL paid a paltry amount for a share of the country’s limited resource.
On the side of things, tier 2 operators are supposed to pay KES 100000 for an operating license when tier 1 telcos paid an initial fee of more than KES 2.5 billion each for the same license. The controversy manifests itself in the sense that the 700 MHz spectrum licensed to JTL enables the company to offer broadband and data solutions at elevated speeds, but on a relatively low cost. At the same time, 700 MHz is functionally robust and efficient than what is currently is use.
This award is being termed as a ‘trial’, which was the same thing the authority said when it split the 800 MHz frequency to pocket substantial revenue from tier 1 companies. As such, competitors are expressing their dissatisfaction based on JTL’s ‘preferential’ treatment that shields the tier 2 telco from similar terms and conditions in regard to roll out charges and obligations.
The license gives JTL the mandate to run mobile phone services on a prefix 0747.
It should be noted that this is not the first time the authority has been under scrutiny. At one time, it gave Safaricom exclusive rights for the 800 MHz band, and an outcry forced a split to accommodate other players.
Ala! I thought 074 was safaricom’s
What? 🤔
I received a call from a 074 Number I didn’t know so I assumed it was Safaricom’s.
Thanks to Techweez, am up to date regarding that
Actually no, I’m sorry. I have confirmed that 0741 is Safaricom. You’re right.
Its good we all now sure that particular is safaricom. Thanks for confirming though
No, Safaricom has 700 to 729.
And 079 right?
Such a huge difference between tier 1 and 2, unfair, but if JTL were to roll out and concentrate on data Ie offer unlimited text,calls and unlimited data at different speeds for different price points then it’s welcome .
[…] May 2017, Kenya’s Communication Authority awarded JTL (Jamii Telecommunications Limited) a mobile phone service license on the 700MHz frequency. The award was controversial with other telcos complaining that JTL paid a meagre amount compared […]
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[…] licenses do not come cheap. It is an issue that has been raised by Airtel, including a case where Jamii Telecoms was awarded a 700 MHz 4G frequency spectrum for measly KES 100,000. A similar license for tier 1 companies like Airtel, Telkom Kenya and Safaricom cost KES 2.5 […]
[…] May 2017 –Â Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) Awards JTL 4G Frequency Spectrum on Questionable Terms […]
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