Telecom operators in the Democratic Republic of Congo have ended their interconnection deals with the country’s most recent addition to the mobile sector, Africell, over reported pricing disputes.
The move means that users from Vodacom Congo, Tigo and Airtel Congo will no longer be able to connect with the telecom operator and vice versa, which is leaving many to question the overall fluidity of the country’s telecom sector.
Local reports indicated that the disconnections began taking place on November 8, which has seen Africell lash out at the other telecom operators over the move, which also affects Africell’s efforts to increase its number of subscribers.
Africell president Mbayo Lufunga Pelesa said of the disconnection that it was “in violation of the Telecommunications Act.”
The three other operators reportedly said they have objected to an Africell promotion promising free on-net calls.
It is likely that DRC Telecom Minister Kin-Key Mulumba will mediate over the dispute.
David Eto
