Cameroun ART: Telecom Operators Face 18.6 Billion in Deficiencies

• The Agence de régulation des télécommunication (ART) in Cameroun has ordered Orange, MTN, and Camtel to correct 93 deficiencies.
• These deficiencies, related to their "cahiers de charges" obligations, are valued at a total of 18.6 billion FCFA.
• Operators have been given 15 days to rectify the identified non-conformities.
• Specific issues include equipment homologation, frequency usage, voice service quality, and network coverage.
• Camtel also faces scrutiny over the degradation of 112 sections of its national fiber optic infrastructure.

The comprehensive assessment of 18.6 billion FCFA in deficiencies against these Cameroun ART telecom operators underscores a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny.

The Agence de régulation des télécommunication (ART) in Cameroun has recently issued a directive to three major telecom operators, Orange, MTN, and Camtel, demanding immediate rectification of 93 identified deficiencies. These shortcomings are linked to the operators' contractual obligations as outlined in their respective specifications, known as "cahiers de charges." The regulatory body has set a stringent 15-day deadline for these mobile phone providers to implement the necessary corrections.

The financial implications of these non-conformities are substantial, with the total value of the identified deficiencies reaching an estimated 18,600,000,000 FCFA. This significant sum underscores the gravity of the issues uncovered by the ART. Each operator faces a distinct financial assessment for their specific failings.

Orange has been cited for deficiencies valued at 5,800,000,000 FCFA, while MTN's non-compliance is assessed at 4,600,000,000 FCFA. Camtel, the third operator, faces the largest individual assessment, with its deficiencies totaling 8,200,000,000 FCFA. This detailed breakdown highlights the varied nature and extent of the regulatory breaches across the industry.

The ART's investigation, which spanned from July 13 to August 10, 2026, revealed a range of specific areas where Orange, MTN, and Camtel failed to meet their regulatory commitments. Among the critical issues identified was the lack of proper homologation for equipment used by the operators. This fundamental requirement ensures that all devices and systems deployed within the network adhere to established technical standards.

Furthermore, the audit highlighted concerns regarding the conformity of frequency usage and radio links. Operators were found to be operating in ways that did not align with the frequency assignment agreements issued by the Agence de régulation des télécommunication Cameroun. This deviation from assigned spectrum usage can lead to interference and inefficient use of a vital public resource.

Beyond technical compliance, the ART also flagged significant shortcomings in the quality of service provided to consumers. Specifically, deficiencies were noted in voice service performance across key urban centers such as Yaoundé, Douala, and Bafoussam, as well as along several important road axes. Network coverage was another area of concern, indicating that operators might not be fulfilling their obligations to provide adequate service across their licensed areas. These issues collectively point to a broad pattern of Orange MTN Camtel non-conformité with essential operational standards.

Camtel, in particular, faces additional scrutiny beyond the general deficiencies shared with its counterparts. A dedicated audit focusing on 112 sections of its fiber optic network uncovered a concerning degradation of the national fiber optic infrastructure. This finding is critical, as fiber optic networks form the backbone of modern telecommunications.

The degradation of Camtel's fiber optic network manifests in several ways, including recurrent outages that disrupt service, sections of the network that are partially or entirely unavailable, and failures in various civil engineering components supporting the infrastructure. Additionally, issues with optical equipment were identified, further contributing to the overall decline in network reliability. This specific Camtel fibre optique dégradation represents a significant challenge for the operator and the country's digital infrastructure.

The comprehensive assessment of 18.6 billion FCFA in deficiencies against these Cameroun ART telecom operators underscores a period of heightened regulatory scrutiny. The ART's firm stance and the substantial financial figures involved signal a clear intent to enforce the obligations outlined in the "cahier des charges opérateurs CM." This action serves as a strong reminder to all telecommunication providers in the region about the serious consequences of non-compliance with regulatory standards and the potential for significant régulation télécoms Cameroun sanctions.

Lawyers advising telecom operators in Cameroon must review their clients' compliance with equipment homologation, frequency usage, quality of service, and network coverage obligations, as the ART's recent action against Orange, MTN, and Camtel signals heightened regulatory scrutiny and significant financial penalties for non-compliance. This development also highlights potential liabilities related to infrastructure maintenance, particularly for fiber optic networks.

Source: Original reporting via local media.