By Lydia Makina
LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – The Zambia Information and Communication Technology Authority (ZICTA) has imposed a hefty fine of $482,240 on Airtel Zambia for a major data service outage that occurred on June 10, 2025. The fine includes $416,000 as compensation to consumers and an additional $66,240 for contravening regulatory guidelines.
According to ZICTA Director General Collins Mbulo, the penalty follows a thorough investigation and assessment of information submitted by Airtel. The investigation revealed that Airtel breached regulatory obligations by failing to resolve critical network faults within stipulated timelines and notifying both ZICTA and consumers within one hour of the outage.
The data outage had significant implications for Airtel subscribers, who were left without access to critical services. ZICTA’s decision to impose a fine on Airtel sends a strong message to telecommunications companies to prioritize network reliability and customer service.
“The fine imposed on Airtel Zambia serves as a warning to all telecommunications service providers to adhere to regulatory guidelines and prioritize customer satisfaction,” said Collins Mbulo.
Airtel Zambia has been given a chance to improve its services and avoid future penalties. The incident highlights the importance of effective communication and network maintenance in the telecommunications industry.
As the country moves towards a more digital economy, the role of ZICTA in regulating the industry and protecting consumer interests is becoming increasingly important. The fine imposed on Airtel Zambia demonstrates the authority’s commitment to ensuring that telecommunications service providers operate in accordance with regulatory guidelines.
The development is likely to have significant implications for the telecommunications industry in Zambia, with consumers hoping that it will lead to improved services and greater accountability from service providers.
