Telecommunications operator MTN Cameroon has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding network coverage and improving service quality, following a high-level regulatory visit by Agence de Régulation des Télécommunications (ART) earlier this week.
The visit, led by ART Director General Philemon Zoo Zame, took place at MTN Cameroon’s headquarters in Douala on April 13, 2026, as part of the regulator’s annual review of telecom operators’ investments and forward-looking plans.
Strong Investment Record, but Concerns Remain
During the session, MTN Cameroon presented what it described as significant progress in 2025, highlighting expanded network coverage and upgrades to core infrastructure. The company also outlined an ambitious 2026 roadmap focused on extending connectivity to underserved areas, modernizing network systems, and deploying more inclusive digital services.
ART confirmed that the operator had largely fulfilled its declared investment commitments for 2025. However, regulators made it clear that infrastructure expansion alone would not define success.
“As long as the consumer in Cameroon is not happy, ART will not be satisfied,” Zoo Zame stated, emphasizing that user experience, not just capital expenditure, remains the ultimate benchmark.
Persistent Challenges: Energy and Interconnection
Despite the reported gains, ART flagged ongoing structural challenges affecting service reliability. Chief among them are frequent energy disruptions and interconnection inefficiencies between operators, issues that continue to impact call quality and data services nationwide.
The regulator urged stronger industry collaboration, particularly in areas such as fibre-optic transport infrastructure and energy management solutions, which are seen as critical to stabilizing network performance.
Strategic Focus on Key Cities and Events
Looking ahead, ART also called for targeted measures to ensure seamless connectivity during major national and international events. Special attention was drawn to upcoming activities linked to a papal visit, with enhanced network readiness expected in Bamenda, Douala, and Yaoundé.
Balancing Growth with Consumer Expectations
The exchange underscores a broader shift in regulatory expectations across Cameroon’s telecom sector, moving beyond infrastructure metrics toward measurable improvements in customer satisfaction.
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