Press Release: ZICTA disconnects illegal transit operators

Following investigations, the Zambia Information and Communications Technology Authority (ZICTA) has directed Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (ZESCO) to cut access to unlicensed international Data Transit operators who were illegally offering Electronic Communication services to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) within Zambia using the ZESCO infrastructure.

This is contrary to Section 9 of the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Act No. 15 of 2009.

According to Section 9 of the ICT Act, it is against the law for any firm or individual to operate an Electronic Communications Network or provide an Electronic Communications Service without a licence issued under the Act.

The said unlicensed international transit operators include PCCWL Global, Telecom Namibia Limited, Wananchi Telecom Limited (WTL), West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC) and Gilat Satcom Global Communications.

The Authority has already issued fines against ZESCO, Wananchi Telecom Limited (WTL), West Indian Ocean Cable Company (WIOCC), PCCW Global and Gilat Satcom Global Communications respectively for abrogating the law.

It is important to note that companies engaging in such conducts deprive government of the much needed revenue as they do not pay tax since they are not registered entities in Zambia.

Tax avoidance is illegal, and we, therefore, urge companies operating in the ICT sector to legalise and normalise their operations and follow laid down procedures as stipulated by laws governing the sector.

Issued By:
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Hanford Chaaba (Mr)
Public Relations Officer