ART Cameroon Engages Telecom Operators on Service Quality
On October 3, 2025, in Douala, the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART) held two strategic working sessions with Cameroon’s major telecom operators, MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroon.
Chaired by Prof. Philémon Zoo Zame, Director General of ART, the meetings focused on monitoring investments made by telecom operators to improve the quality of service (QoS) and the quality of experience (QoE) for users nationwide.
The sessions form part of ART’s broader mandate to ensure reliable connectivity, regulate telecom performance, and strengthen consumer protection in Cameroon’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Addressing Frequency Coordination and 4G Deployment Challenges
One of the major topics discussed was frequency coordination with neighbouring countries, including Chad, Gabon, and Congo. ART raised concerns over the deployment of technologies in unplanned frequency bands, which has complicated the transition to 4G in the 900 MHz band.
The agency warned that such deployments could cause signal interference, network jamming, and cross-border incompatibility, particularly in border regions.
To mitigate these risks, ART called for enhanced regional consultation and a coordinated national approach before making any technical decisions regarding future frequency use.
“Effective frequency management is vital to achieving smooth 4G deployment and ensuring users enjoy uninterrupted, high-quality service,” said Prof. Zoo Zame.
Improving Data Accuracy and Market Transparency
Another key discussion point was the accuracy of active subscriber data, a critical metric for assessing market coverage and network performance.
ART emphasised the need for consistent data reporting and transparent monitoring systems to ensure accurate measurements of Cameroon’s telecom market. Reliable subscriber data, the regulator noted, is essential for policy formulation, investment evaluation, and improving service delivery.
Operators to Launch Nationwide Awareness Campaign
In addition to technical discussions, MTN and Orange Cameroon announced plans for an interactive communication campaign, scheduled to begin between late October and early November 2025, starting with Yaoundé.
The campaign will aim to:
- Educate consumers about the causes of network disruptions
- Highlight ongoing improvements made by operators
- Visually explain network upgrades
- Raise awareness about the responsible use of communication devices
The Director General of ART recommended that the campaign be bilingual (French and English), educational, and conducted in collaboration with consumer protection associations to ensure accessibility and transparency.
“This initiative should bridge the gap between operators and consumers while fostering understanding of the improvements being made,” said Prof. Zoo Zame.
Key Takeaway
The ART’s meetings with MTN and Orange underscore Cameroon’s dedication to improving telecom quality, consumer satisfaction, and regulatory transparency. Combined with Orange’s growing AI initiatives through Qevlar AI, these efforts signal a future of stronger, smarter, and more secure communications across the country and the continent.
