Regulator orders Orange and Free to comply with MNP regulations

Senegal’s Authority of Regulation of Telecommunications and Posts (L’Autorite de Regulation des Telecommunications et des Postes, ARTP) issued formal notices on 9 April to Sonatel and Saga Africa Holdings, which operate under the Orange and Free brands respectively, for non-compliance with mobile number portability (MNP) regulations. An investigation found evidence of misconduct by both companies, including the unfair rejection of valid MNP requests and undue delays, whilst Free is also accused of ‘fraudulent practices’. The companies have been given 30 days to conform or face sanctions.