46. Classification and Re-classification 1) The Authority, on its own accord, or in consultation with stakeholders, may classify or re-classify a Telecommunications Service referenced in this Directive. 2) Any existing License issued by the Authority that is affected by the classification or re-classification shall remain valid until the expiration date of that License. 3) A Licensee of any service affected by the provisions of such classification and/or reclassification shall be duly notified of this fact by the Authority in writing. 4) Where the Authority determines that a Telecommunications License may be classified or reclassified: a) Under any of the categories of Licenses provided in Article 4 of this Directive, the basis for such classification or re-classification to the category shall be determined by the Authority; and b) The Authority shall hold a consultative meeting with those Licensees affected by such Decision. 47. Operating Without a License 1) Any person who operates a Telecommunications Network and/or provides a Telecommunications Service without a valid License shall be liable to an administrative fine for the violation and an additional fine for each day that the violation persists after an order to desist has been issued by the Authority. 2) Any person who continues to operate a Telecommunications Network and/or provide a Telecommunications Service after the expiration of a duly issued License by the Authority shall be liable to an administrative fine equivalent to the initial fee for the relevant License and an additional fine for each day that the contravention persists after the expiration of the License, as established by the Regulation about infractions issued by the Council of Ministers. 48. Amendment The Authority may, at any time, when it deems it necessary, amend this Directive by notifying all Licensees in advance and conducting a stakeholder consultation process in line with the provisions of the Proclamation. 49. Effective Date of this Directive This Directive will come into force on the 9th day of July 2021. DONE AT ADDIS ABABA ON THE 9TH DAY OF JULY 2021 ENG. BALCHA REBA DIRECTOR GENERAL ETHIOPIAN COMMUNICATIONS AUTHORITY 17