Iraqi mobile operator Asiacell has switched off “several million” Zain Iraq lines that were unlicensed, reports Telegeography.
The move reportedly follows a directive by local telecoms regulator, the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), which fined…
Iraqi mobile operator Asiacell has switched off “several million” Zain Iraq lines that were unlicensed, reports Telegeography.
The move reportedly follows a directive by local telecoms regulator, the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), which fined Zain US$262m as punishment for selling five million SIM cards before securing legal approval.
On 17 February, the CMC informed all Iraqi mobile operators that they might not activate or sell new lines without its permission, and asked them to halt interconnection with unlicensed lines with immediate effect in order to avoid litigation.
Asiacell said it was legally able to ask Zain for compensation, and accused the company of limiting the number of lines it can access.
Zain reportedly stated that it regretted Asiacell’s decision and that its lawyers were working on a formal challenge to the CMC fine, which it described as unfounded and illegal.
The country has three mobile operators – Zain Iraq, AsiaCell, which is 30%-owned by QTel, and Korek – which all paid US$1.25bn for 15-year licences in 2007. A fourth licence is expected to become available this year.
