Palouki says permanent suspension of Moov contract imminent

Togo might permanently suspend the contract with mobile phone operator giant Moov unless a deal is concluded in negotiations to defend the interests of the West African country, national television reported on Wednesday.

The director-general of Togo's posts and telecommunication regulation authority ARPT, Massina Palouki (photo), told national television that there might be permanent suspension in the coming days of the Moov contract from the country. Palouki, who was invited on national television over the issue of Moov which has been widely talked about since August, declared that the contract of this operator may be permanently suspended in the next six days if the discussions being held with the Togolese authorities are not conclusive.

"One of the first problems on which we must reflect is what should be done to ensure that the personnel are not out of employment," the ARPT director declared, noting that the national interest can not be neglected.

He assured the public that the Togolese government will always be vigilant on the rights of workers and consumers. "If the operator will not do it, the government will take appropriate measures," Palouki warned.

The network of the second mobile phone operator, Atlantic Telecom (Moov), was suspended on Aug. 10 for failure to renew the license which expired in July. Moov is required to pay 20 billion FCFA (40 million U.S. dollars) for the effects, of which 10 billion FCFA will be paid in installments until December.