Cameroon authorities impose a fine of 2.6 billion CFA on telecom giants Orange and MTN, citing service inefficiencies
The Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART) in Cameroon has imposed a hefty fine of 2.6 billion CFA francs (approximately 3.96 million euros) on Orange Cameroon and MTN Cameroon for failing to meet their contractual commitments regarding service quality and coverage.
The sanctions, enforceable titles, were the result of inspections conducted in April and May 2024, which highlighted serious deficiencies in both operators' services. The control operations were carried out on several strategic axes of the national territory, including major corridors and cities like Yaoundé and Douala.
Orange Cameroon was fined approximately 1.4 billion CFA francs for seven sanctions, including issues with coverage and service quality, as well as malfunctions in the process of unsubscribing from certain services. In euros, this amounts to about 2.44 million euros for coverage and service quality, plus an additional fine for pricing violations. MTN Cameroon, on the other hand, was fined 1 billion CFA francs (about 1.52 million euros) for shortcomings in coverage and service quality.
The findings revealed coverage rates below the required thresholds in the specifications of both operators for Orange Cameroon, and the malfunctioning of unsubscribing codes for value-added services, a violation of consumer rights. The breaches of obligations were proven during a series of control operations carried out by the ART's sworn agents.
Specific checks were conducted at the premises of Orange Cameroon and MTN in Douala, regarding pricing practices. The ART aims for these sanctions to serve as a strong signal to operators to improve their services, which are crucial for Cameroon's economic and social development.
Prof. Philemon Zoo Zame, the Director General of the ART, made the decision under the authority of Decree No. 2013/0399 of 27 February 2013, which ensures consumers the right to a quality service, accessible throughout the national territory, with performance and regularity standards appropriate for electronic communications.
The ART reaffirms its role as a regulator in the telecommunications sector in Cameroon and its mission as the guarantor of the protection of the rights of consumers of electronic communications products and services, a rapidly expanding sector and an important lever for Cameroon's development. The decision sends a clear message to operators to continue their efforts to improve the quality of service.
The Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART) has fined Orange Cameroon and MTN Cameroon, two major telecoms operators, for falling short in service quality, coverage, and consumer rights protection, totaling approximately 4 million euros in fines. In the telecommunications industry, with finance and business interwoven, these sanctions serve as a reminder for businesses to uphold their commitments and prioritize quality services vital to Cameroon's economic and social development.
