The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) has fined Globe Internet Limited K74.9 million for illegal usage of spectrum.

MACRA Director General Daudi Sulemani has confirmed of the development in a statement made available to faceofmalawi.

According to Sulemani, the company has been using the frequency band 700 MHz without licencing from the body, hence need to surrender by August 17, 2022.

It is said that Globe Internet has been using frequencies in the 700 MHz frequency band without a frequency spectrum licence from MACRA from 1st April, 2022 which is contrary to section 83(2) of the communications Act, 2016.

“Therefore, MACRA has imposed the following sanctions on Global Internet Limited; A fine of K74,938,006.58 for illegal usage of spectrum in the 700 MHz bands to be paid by 17th August, 2022 and to cease and desist from the usage of frequencies in the 700mhz band and to surrender the frequencies to the Authority by 17th August, 2022 including accounting for the revenue generated during the illegal usage of frequencies in the 700MHz band.

“MACRA would like to warn the general public that Globe Internet Limited can no longer operate in the 700 MHz band,” reads in part the statement.

Below is the statement;