Dominican Republic telecoms bill proposes tougher sanctions for unlicensed operators

A draft law in the Dominican Republic would impose a four-year ban on telecommunications operators that work without the required legal authorization.

The proposed General Law on Telecommunications, Digital Infrastructure and Connectivity includes a series of controls and sanctions intended to regulate the sector. One of its strictest measures targets people and companies that provide telecommunications services without an authorized title.

Under Article 182 of the draft, an offender would be unable to apply for any legal permit for four years. The operator would also have to pay all rights, fees and charges owed for the entire period in which the business operated irregularly.

The four-year disqualification would apply independently of any other administrative or criminal penalty imposed for illegal operations. The draft’s Article 182 also states that the sanctions are...