According to a statement, ZICTA said the operators are delivering poor mobile service standards, and failing to meet quality of service parameters.
“ZICTA has instituted criminal proceedings against all three mobile phone service providers namely Airtel Networks Zambia, MTN Zambia and Zambia Telecommunication Company (Zamtel), for failure to meet minimum standards of quality of service,” said Ngabo Nankond, spokesperson for ZICTA.
"The deteriorating levels of quality of service has made communication difficult and resulted in increased public outcry and negative impact on ease of doing business in Zambia."
Earlier this year Bharti Airtel agreed the sale of 5% of its company to the Qatar Foundation Endowment, and MTN launched what is thought to be the first LTE network in Uganda.
No official statements have been released from any of the offending companies.
