Fiber Optics in Cameroon: Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Libom Li Likeng Calls for Regulation 📡

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The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng, recently conducted a working visit to Douala and Yaoundé on October 10 and 11, 2024, to address the deteriorating quality of telecommunications services. This initiative aimed to review investments made by Orange Cameroon and MTN Cameroon as consumer concerns about service quality continue to grow.

Assessing Investments💰

During her visit, the Minister highlighted a key issue: “the quality of the consumer experience.” Discussions focused on progress, challenges, and operator expectations. Patrick Benon, CEO of Orange Cameroon, stated, “We need support to continue investing in the quality of our networks.”

Likewise, Mitwa Ng’ambi, CEO of MTN, saw the initiative as an “opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to providing quality service to Cameroonians.” She also noted that investments would focus on modernizing existing infrastructure to meet the growing demands of consumers.

Consumers Express Concerns 🗣️

Despite these commitments, many network users complain about the current service quality. “The connection is often unstable, especially during peak hours. It’s hard to get through the day relying solely on the internet. Even fiber optics, which was supposed to be better, fails us,” laments Justin, an accountant.

Similarly, Aline believes it is time to focus on local production. “We are still waiting for promised improvements, but nothing really changes. Maybe Camtel should take the matter seriously. We can’t cope anymore,” she says.

Moreover, some subscribers have reported slow service and frequent interruptions, stressing the urgency of meeting consumer expectations.

« I hope these discussions lead to real improvements, because the current situation is frustrating. There have already been several similar meetings without any outcome,” says Catherine.

Social Media Criticisms 💬

Social media feedback has been equally critical. Many posts express frustration with the gap between promises and reality. “When will we finally have stable connections?” users ask. “It’s nice to invest billions, but if it changes nothing for us, what’s the point? We’re tired of complaining, and it’s our money on top of that.” Many subscribers on WhatsApp and Twitter share similar frustrations, highlighting operators’ lack of responsiveness to technical issues.

Forum discussions also reveal users’ experiences.

« I load my monthly data, and within an hour, it’s gone as if by magic. I contacted customer service several times without getting a satisfactory answer,” says one user.

For others, these issues are the final straw. “I’m tired of network cuts affecting my work,” one person expresses.

Strengthening Camtel and ART 🔧

During her visit, the Minister also met with Camtel officials, the public operator responsible for fiber optics management. Libom Li Likeng emphasized the need for Camtel to “strengthen infrastructure monitoring and provide transparent pricing adapted to market realities.” Camtel CEO Judith Yah Sunday assured her commitment to modernize and expand infrastructure to improve service quality. She also promised to accelerate fiber optic deployment in rural and peri-urban areas to reduce the digital divide.

The Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) was also in the spotlight during the visit. The Minister stated that “ART must modernize its monitoring tools for real-time network tracking to anticipate disruptions.” She called for better coordination between the agency and operators for shared infrastructure management and strict penalties for operators that fail to meet service quality standards.

Improving Services and Consumer Expectations 📶

In addition to optimizing existing infrastructure, private operators are encouraged to intensify efforts to improve coverage and service quality. Libom Li Likeng stated, “We expect MTN and Orange to invest more in densely populated areas.” She also recommended that Orange deploy tools allowing subscribers to directly share their feedback on service quality, while MTN should focus on optimizing Camtel’s dark fiber, seen as a key connectivity infrastructure. Furthermore, the Minister suggested creating direct communication channels between subscribers and operators to facilitate feedback and complaints.

This visit comes as telecommunications service quality increasingly concerns consumers, highlighting the need for effective coordination between operators and regulators to ensure quality service in Cameroon. The Minister of Posts and Telecommunications also stressed the importance of transparency and operator accountability towards their subscribers to build trust and improve the telecommunications sector’s image in Cameroon.

What do you think of the current network quality in Cameroon? What should be done? Let us know in the comments ☺️