TeleAccess appeal blocks second fixed line license

THE protracted legal wrangle between TeleAccess and the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) is stalling the licensing of a second fixed line operator for the country.

Potraz can only license one more operator in addition to the existing Government-owned TelOne.

TeleAccess, which is owned by businessman and politician Daniel Shumba, was issued the other licence in 2002.

The licence was however, withdrawn in 2005 with Potraz arguing TeleAccess had failed to roll out services within the stipulated time.

But the company appealed to the courts to have the cancellation rescinded.

Potraz director-general Engineer Charles Sibanda told New Ziana that the appeal had blocked licensing of another player.

"There is no progress as far as licensing another fixed line operator is concerned," he said.

"We cannot do anything at the moment as long as the TeleAccess issue is still hanging. Their appeal is still before the courts."

Sibanda said numerous applications received for the licence could only be considered once the court appeal was concluded.

He said Potraz did not intend to reverse its decision to annul TeleAccess's licence.

"We cannot re-issue that licence. As far as the regulator is concerned the licence was revoked," he said.

The country's sole fixed line operator, TelOne, is failing to meet demand due to financial and infrastructure limitations arising from economic challenges that country experienced during the past decade.

Increased usage of mobile phone has also resulted in the fixed telephone penetration rate in the country dipping drastically over the years.