RURA revokes Star Africa’s ISP, radio licences

Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) announced it revocation of a radio communication license and Internet Service Provider (ISP) licence held by Star Africa Media for failure to honour contractual obligations. RURA’s Director General, Regis Gatarayiha, said the decision was taken by the regulator’s board. Star Africa Media, which recently rebranded as Star Times, also holds a digital pay TV license. “Following numerous enforcement letters issued by RURA’s management and subsequent enforcement notice issued by the Regulatory Board; Star Times had done nothing about the licence obligations and their explanations were not satisfying, hence revoking the two licences,” he explained. The noticed sent to Star Times mentioned that considering that the regulatory board has the responsibility of monitoring and enforcement of licence obligations and to address any breach of license conditions and impose penalties. “The present decision is aimed at withdrawing the ISP license of COMIUM RWANDA LTD, The ISP License granted to COMIUM RWANDA Ltd. on 23/10/2008 is hereby revoked and the radio communication License granted to COMIUM RWANDA Ltd. under its ISP License is hereby revoked,” a notice from RURA reads in part. When contacted for a comment, Star Times’ Managing Director, Ken Xiz told Business Times, he had no comments regarding the issue. Gatarayiha said that Star Times was contacted on different occasions before the conclusion was reached but they showed no interest in complying. “They are allowed to reapply for the licences but this time around, they have to table a strong proposal before we can issue them with another licence,” he explained. Ends

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RURA revokes Star Africa’s ISP, radio licences