Cameroon: Unstable networks, mobile money down… Subscribers at their wits’ end! 📶

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Telecommunications service users in Cameroon are increasingly facing major disruptions. Unstable mobile networks, slow or non-existent internet, frequent Mobile Money service outages… A situation affecting both individuals and businesses, with significant economic consequences.

A widespread outage frustrating subscribers 😡

In several cities across the country, particularly in Yaoundé and Douala, complaints are multiplying. On social media, many Cameroonians express their frustration over internet connections struggling to load a simple web page or send a WhatsApp message.

« For two days now, I can’t even make a proper call. The network cuts off mid-conversation, it’s unbearable! I can’t check my balance. The worst part is that my internet data runs out without even being used, » says Samuel.

For her part, Viviane is going through a real ordeal:

« I work remotely and need the internet for my online meetings. I have lost a lot of money over the past few days. »

Financial transactions paralyzed 💸

Beyond communication inconveniences, the disruptions also impact financial transactions. Mobile Money, used daily by millions of Cameroonians, is severely affected. Users report blocked payments, delayed transfers, and confirmation messages that never arrive. For kiosk operators, this results in duplicate transactions.

« I tried to pay a bill via Orange Money, but the transaction failed three times. I had to carry cash because I didn’t have time to waste, and it was a significant amount, » says Hervé, a merchant.

In the capital, reports indicate that the Orange Cameroon agency in Warda closed its doors during the last week of March. This closure, occurring amidst a network crisis, fuels speculation about a major failure at the operator. In an official statement, the company acknowledged experiencing an outage but assured that technical teams are working to resolve the issue.

A worrying economic impact 📉

The current disruptions have economic consequences for Cameroon. According to a World Bank study, a single day without an internet connection can result in losses of several billion FCFA, particularly affecting commerce, digital services, and other industries.

Many entrepreneurs and SMEs, relying on WhatsApp Business or social media for their transactions, are struggling. Local e-commerce platforms, already fragile, are also affected as online payments fail to go through.

« Mobile financial services have become essential. When they don’t work, the entire informal economy is paralyzed. People are losing a lot of money because of this network issue, » says Cédric, an economist.

What is causing these disruptions? 🤔

So far, telecom operators have provided no clear explanations. However, several hypotheses are being discussed :

•  Technical issues with infrastructure: Some reports mention failures in the submarine cables supplying internet to Cameroon. Similar disruptions have occurred in the past.
• Operator maintenance or updates: Telecom companies sometimes conduct maintenance work, often without informing subscribers in advance.
• Increased demand and network congestion: With more users online, particularly for streaming and video calls, infrastructure may be overwhelmed

Subscribers demand compensation 💰

Amid the crisis, many customers are calling for better communication from operators. Some even demand compensation for the losses caused by these disruptions.

« When the service doesn’t work, why not offer us credit or free data as compensation? Instead of making amends, they cut off everything we have left, » says Alain, a student.

In other countries, it is common for operators to provide compensation for recurring outages. In Cameroon, such measures are rarely, if ever, applied.

Will the situation improve? ⏳

For now, Cameroonians have no choice but to wait for the issue to be resolved. Operators appear to be under pressure to restore normal service. However, the lack of official communication leaves uncertainty about how long the disruptions will last.

In the meantime, some are trying to work around the problem by using SIM cards from multiple operators to maximize their chances of getting a signal. But this situation, far from ideal, once again raises concerns about the quality of telecom services in Cameroon.

We want to hear from you !!!
How are you coping with these network disruptions? Tell us in the comments! 😁