Nigerian cellcos agree to settle QoS fines

Nigeria’s four GSM networks have agreed to settle disputed fines from the telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission that were imposed after the regulator said the operators were missing quality of service standards.

However, as the fine is being paid late by all four companies, there should be a daily late fee included, but it is unclear if the settlement between the regulator and the networks includes that.

MTN and Etisalat were both been fined N360 million (US$2.3 million), while Airtel was fined N270 million and Globacom was served a fine of N180 million.

The operators have disputed the fines as they claim most of the network problems are generally outside their control. The operators have repeated their calls on the regulator to make it easier for them to upgrade their networks and improve electricity supply to base stations.