Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Agency (RURA) announced it has revoked the radio communication license and Internet Service Provider (ISP) license held by Star Africa Media for failure to honour contractual obligations. This comes few months after RURA revoked Rwandatel’s License. Star Africa Media, which recently rebranded as Star Times, also holds a digital pay TV license.
 

According to RURA, numerous enforcement letters and subsequent enforcement notices were issued to Star Times but nothing was done. “Star Times had done nothing about the license obligations and their explanations were not satisfying, hence revoking the two licenses,” explained Mr. Gatarayiha.

On 9 of June 2011, RURA deliberated the case of Comium Rwanda Ltd, the registered organisation that was granted the radio communication license under its ISP license. RURA concluded to withdraw all licenses for Comium Rwanda Ltd and all provisions that came with the licenses.

The notice sent to Star Times mentioned that the regulatory board has the responsibility of monitoring and enforcing license obligations, and to address any breach of license conditions as well as impose penalties.

The body insisted that Comium Rwanda’s defense as to why the companies are not meeting its license obligations were weak. In their notice, RURA says: “ Considering the written representations made Comium Rwanda Ltd explaining that its non compliance is due to the global economic crisis and to change of technology and requesting additional six months to start the implementation of its license obligations; Considering that the change of technology implies the change in the investment plan hence the business plan as well as the technical specifications; Considering that the Regulatory Board has an obligation to ensure the efficient management ofspectrum; Considering that the Regulatory Board has the responsibility of monitoring and enforcement of license obligations and to address any breach of license conditions and impose penalties - The present decision is aimed at withdrawing the ISP license of Comium Rwanda Ltd”.

Gatarayiha says that Star Times was contacted on different occasions before the conclusion was reached but they showed no interest in complying. Gatarayiha however said that the company is allowed to reapply for the licenses, but this time around, they have to table a strong proposal before they are issued with another license.
Efforts to reach Star Times’ Managing Director, Ken Xiz on phone for a comment by CIO East Africa have been futile.