MNOs get slap on the wrist for failing to allow customers to take their numbers with them when switching operators: Egypt’s four mobile network operators (MNOs) were handed a combined EGP 20.65 mn in fines from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) for violating the 2003 Telecom Regulation Act, under which customers can retain their phone numbers when switching providers, according to a statement. Vodafone Egypt was fined EGP 7 mn, Orange Egypt was fined EGP 5.8 mn, Etisalat Misr was fined EGP 3.95 mn, and We was fined EGP 3.9 mn for violations such as rejecting customers’ number transfer requests without justification and failing to implement the transfer.

The NTRA’s decision comes on the heels of a separate announcement earlier this month that it will ramp up its fines for telecom operators offering poor service quality and will impose new penalties for taking too long to resolve user complaints as of 2H2021.