This was according to the no-nonsense Chairman of the National Telecommunications Company (NATCOM) Sierra Leone, Momoh Kemoh Konte who was addressing journalists at the Commission’s conference room on Hill Station, Freetown on Friday 10th June 2016.
According to Mr. Konte, a unilateral revision of subscriptions was made by Transnational on 9th May this year. He said on 18th May, NATCOM held a meeting with Transnational and in that meeting the Company was reminded that the protection by the Commission of the Broadband Spectrum utilized by Transnational in the provision of their services is a very crucial regulatory function.
He said in respect of this regulatory function, regulatory fees are being paid to the Commission. Therefore, it follows that the Company is under the regulatory regime of the Commission as it is relates to the protection of the said Broadcast Spectrum against interference.
The Chairman said the Company was also reminded that the position of the Commission on the said revision of the cost of subscriptions effected on 9th May 2016 is not consistent with the prevailing Official/Bank Exchange Rate.
Moreover, he went on, the said revision was not done in consultation with the Commission; therefore, it is considered unilateral and unacceptable.
In this circumstance the NATCOM boss stated further, the Commission demanded that Transnational (SL) Limited reverses its decision to effect the said revision on 9th May, 2016, within the next 24 (Twenty-Four hours).
Commending NATCOM for what he described as a “masterpiece and very welcoming decision” against Transnational Limited Sierra Leone, Ambassador Alieu Kanu, Chairman of the Board, Independent Media Commission (IMC), thanked NATCOM for reaching the decision.
He said the Momoh Konte leadership at NATCOM has been first of its kinds as it is now seen taking stiff actions against service providers violating regulations.
The IMC chairman revealed that his Commission has been receiving several complaints from the public against DSTV on its extra charges and in turn, has been referring those complaints to NATCOM in the past but noting was being done except with the current leadership of Momoh Konte.
He assured NATCOM of IMC’s continued support to enforce whatever decision the Commission takes against Transnational (SL) Limited.
Representing Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Sierra Leone, William Sao Lamin thanked NATCOM for the decision against Transnational. He said the decision is a welcomed decision by them in the civil society world, adding that DSTV has been ripping off the people of Sierra Leone by stealing their monies with their exorbitant charges for services.
Similar sentiments were made by representatives from Consumer Protection Sierra Leone followed by more and more accolades for NATCOM’s decision on Transnational SL Limited.