Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, has announced that individuals and companies that have received frequency authorization but have not commenced operations within two years will have their authorization revoked. The Minister emphasized that the law clearly states that companies must begin operations within two years of acquiring frequency authorization. Failing to do so constitutes a breach of the terms of acquisition.
During an interview on TV3’s New Day on April 11, 2025, Sam George emphasized that state assets cannot be kept in abeyance, indicating that companies in violation of this rule would face the termination of their frequency authorizations. He explained, “When you are granted frequency authorization, it is valid for five years. However, the authorization clearly states you must become operational within two years. If you have held the frequency for more than two years without going live, we will reclaim it; consider it lost.
You cannot hold state assets in abeyance because the terms were explicitly laid out when you applied for the license. You were informed that you needed to go live within two years, and there is nothing anyone can do about it.”
He said those frequencies will be given to persons who are willing to comply with the terms of acquisition. “We’ll terminate them and make them available to people who are willing to go live and respect the terms of the frequency authorization,” he stated.
By: Raphael Ghartey
