…restricts airtime advance services for minors
…urges users of walkie-talkies to comply with regulations
Moroke Sekoboto
THE Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA), in collaboration with mobile network operators (MNOs), has introduced a new consumer protection measure governing the use of airtime advance services.
Effective 1 April 2026, MNOs – Econet Telecom Lesotho and Vodacom Lesotho – will discontinue airtime advance services for subscribers under the age of 18.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday, LCA Chief Legal and Compliance Officer, Advocate Thato Ponya, said the measure will be implemented through the integration of SIM registration data with Airtime Credit Systems (ACS). This will enable operators to verify subscribers’ ages and automatically restrict access to airtime advance services for minors.
Adv Ponya said the restriction is aimed at promoting responsible borrowing within the telecommunications sector.
“The purpose of the measure is to promote responsible borrowing practices, protect minors who are not legally empowered to enter into credit-related obligations, and strengthen consumer protection, particularly for vulnerable users,” Adv Ponya said.
He also said, while airtime advance services offer convenience, they involve deferred repayment and associated fees, which may place an unintended financial burden on minors.
Adv Ponya urged subscribers with outstanding airtime advance balances to settle their debts, noting that these remain payable beyond 1 April.
“Any outstanding airtime advance balances incurred by minors before 1 April 2026 will remain payable, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the respective mobile network operators.
“Subscribers under 18 years of age will no longer be eligible to access airtime advance services, while adult subscribers will continue to access the service as normal, subject to existing terms and conditions.”
He reaffirmed the LCA’s commitment to fostering a fair, transparent, and responsible telecommunications environment in Lesotho, noting that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance consumer welfare.
“This joint initiative by the LCA and mobile network operators is designed to uphold responsible lending principles, strengthen consumer protection, and prevent early exposure to debt among Basotho minors.”
Speaking on behalf of the mobile network operators, Econet’s Product Manager Ketja Nhlapo, reiterated that any airtime advance balances taken by minors before 1 April 2026 must still be repaid in line with existing terms and conditions.
At the same press conference, LCA Acting Chief Executive, Molupe Molupe, also addressed the proper use of licence-exempt two-way radios.
Mr Molupe said two-way radios are widely used for quick, reliable, and cost-effective communication across sectors such as national security, private security, construction, transport and logistics, utilities, and community safety groups.
He clarified that while some two-way radios may be licence-exempt, they were not exempt from regulation.
“Users are required to comply with specific operating conditions set by the Authority to ensure efficient and interference-free use of the radio frequency spectrum,” Mr Molupe said.
He explained that licence-exempt two-way radios operate within designated frequency bands: VHF (138–174 MHz) with a maximum output power of 100 mW, and UHF (440–470 MHz) with a maximum output power of 500 mW.
Mr Molupe said all users of such devices ought to register with the Authority and ensure that their equipment was type-approved by the LCA.
“Users must also ensure that their operations do not cause harmful interference to licensed radio services. Where interference occurs, users may be required to cease operations immediately,” he said.
He warned against modifying radio equipment, particularly in ways that increase transmission power, noting that improper use could interfere with critical communication services.
“Non-compliance may lead to penalties, fines, or confiscation of equipment,” he said.
“While licence-exempt radios offer affordability and ease of use, responsible operation is essential to protect other spectrum users and maintain reliable communication services,” he added.
Mr Molupe said the LCA remained committed to managing the national radio spectrum, protecting users from harmful interference, and ensuring fair and efficient access to communication resources.
He urged all users of two-way radios to operate responsibly and in full compliance with regulatory requirements.
