AMRTP fines Orange Mali over mobile bandwidth use for fixed line service

Mali’s telecoms regulator the Autorite Malienne de Regulation des Telecom/Postes (AMRTP) has informed the local subsidiary of France-based Orange Group that it is being fined XAF6.86 billion (USD14.23 million) for illegally using mobile bandwidth for a fixed line service. According to Reuters, while Orange Mali was actually informed of the watchdog’s intention to levy the fine late last month, details of the matter were made public this past weekend by Choguel Maiga, managing director of the AMTRP. It is understood that the regulator has accused Orange Mali of breaking local telecoms rules by using a mobile phone platform for its ‘Douba’ branded fixed line service. Sekou Drame, Orange Mali’s deputy managing director, has rejected the claims that his company had broken the law though, and the cellco is expected to challenge the decision. ‘Orange Mali would not allow itself to break the law in Mali … The ‘Douba’ service is regularly offered to clients in line with the rules that govern this sector,’ the executive was cited as saying.