Zimbabwe's Telecel Denies It Failed to Renew Mobile License:

Zimbabwe's Telecel has denied reports that it has failed to make a payment to renew its mobile operating license, blaming the reports on a confusion about how the license is to be renewed.

The company confirmed that it is obliged to make a payment of US$137.5 million to renew its license for another 20 years. However, it also negotiated a deal to spread the payments over a number of years.

The company has made a down-payment of US$14 million, and says that it has bank records to show that the funds were received at the regulator.

The next payment is due this December.

Telecel has over 2.5 million subscribers.

Airtel Extends Malawi License for a Further 10 Years:

Bharti Airtel's subsidiary in Malawi has secured a 10-year extension to its mobile operating license, although it has been censured for missing customer care obligations in the past.

The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) confirmed the renewal of the license with effect from next February. The 10-year license follows on from the original 15 year license awarded in February 1999 to the company's previous name, Celtel.

"The performance assessment conducted revealed significant contributions of Airtel Malawi to the country's socio-economic growth, developed innovative products and services," the regulator said in a statement. It did however fault the network for missing customer care obligations.

The two sides have to negotiate the technical details of the license conditions before it is formally handed over by next February.