🚨 Telecom Regulators Fine Orange and MTN CFA 2.6 Billion for Service Failures


Cameroon's telecommunications regulator, the Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART), recently imposed a combined CFA 2.6 billion fine on Orange Cameroun and MTN Cameroon due to failures in meeting contractual service obligations. This decision sends a strong message about enforcing quality standards and protecting consumer rights. 


Findings from ART’s Inspections

Between April and May 2024, ART teams conducted more than 6,000 connectivity tests across major corridors—such as Yaoundé–Mbalmayo–Ebolowa–Kyé-Ossi and Yaoundé–Ebolowa–Mintom–Ntam—as well as urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala. The results revealed:


Orange Cameroun had a 3G coverage rate of just 56.2%, far below the contractual minimum of 77%. Additionally, in Douala, 29.5% of calls were blocked, against a 2% allowable threshold.


MTN Cameroon recorded 86% coverage on strategic routes (versus 100% required) and 87.06% in Douala, also below required standards. 


ART also flagged non-transparent pricing, including Orange’s malfunctioning opt-out USSD codes for value-added services—violating consumers’ rights to unsubscribe and impacting service fairness. 


Breakdown of Fines

Orange Cameroun: CFA 1.4 billion for coverage and quality breakdowns, plus CFA 200 million for pricing irregularities.


MTN Cameroon: CFA 1.0 billion for coverage and quality shortcomings. 


Operators must submit a corrective action plan within 30 days, and they face follow-up audits in mid‑2026. Potential penalties include frequency suspension or even license withdrawal if deficiencies persist. 


Why It Matters

Cameroon ranks behind regional peers in 4G availability—with only about 56% coverage, compared to Côte d’Ivoire’s 75%—despite significant telecom investments in recent years. ART hopes the fines will pressure operators to close this connectivity gap. 


Telcom users across Cameroon continue to report issues like dropped calls, slow downloads, network outages, and billing transparency concerns—highlighting how essential reliable connectivity is to daily life, e-commerce, and national development. 


Regulator’s Justification

ART’s director, Prof. Philémon Zoo Zame, described the sanctions as a necessary enforcement of previously agreed-upon license terms. He emphasized the agency’s role in safeguarding consumer rights and ensuring equitable network access nationwide. 


What Comes Next

Operators have a deadline to outline upgrade plans and improvements.


ART will audit their progress and possibly impose further penalties if the service remains substandard.


Consumers and advocacy groups are calling for monthly performance reports to ensure transparency and ongoing accountability.

Sources:  Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART); Cameroon Eco‑Business; Technext24.



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