Lesotho Communications Authority Bans Airtime Advance Access for Under-18s from April 2026

The Lesotho Communications Authority  has announced a new regulatory measure prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from accessing airtime advance services offered by mobile network operators, effective from 1 April 2026. The announcement was made during a press conference held in Maseru.

According to the Authority, the decision is aimed at protecting minors from accumulating financial debt and encouraging responsible financial behaviour. The restriction will be enforced through enhanced SIM card registration systems that use national identification documents to verify users’ ages before granting access to airtime advance services.

The regulator also confirmed that all existing airtime advance balances incurred by minors must still be repaid. Parents and guardians have been urged to support affected minors in settling any outstanding debts to ensure compliance with the new directive.

In a related announcement, the Authority introduced a mandatory registration and approval requirement for all two-way radios, locally known as lirojaroja, before they can be used. The LCA stated that this measure is intended to prevent interference with licensed radio communication services and to ensure proper spectrum management.

The Authority emphasized that compliance with both regulations is compulsory. It warned that failure to adhere to the new rules will result in enforcement actions and penalties, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining order and accountability within the country’s telecommunications sector.