03 September 2024
The Postal and Electronic Communications Regulatory Agency (ARPCE) has reported the results of its latest comprehensive survey on the quality of mobile networks in Congo.
The study highlighted a significant improvement in 2G and 3G coverage on national roads. The Yié-Mindouli sections on national road No. 1 and Lifoula-Makoua on No. 2 now benefit from better mobile phone coverage. This progress is attributed to two main factors: the sanctions imposed by the regulator and the coverage obligation imposed on operators, thanks to the implementation of national roaming.
Despite these advances, the report highlights that significant efforts remain to be made. In the south of the country, Airtel must strengthen its 3G coverage in Nkayi, Dolisie and Kintélé. MTN, for its part, faces similar challenges in Mouyondzi, Madingou, Dolisie and Kintélé.
The situation is also worrying in the north. MTN must improve its 2G coverage and quality overall, as well as its 3G in Gamboma, Owando and Ouesso. Airtel is not far behind, with progress to be made in 2G in these same cities. Brazzaville and Pointe-Noire, despite their status as major urban centres, also experience problems with network coverage and quality, particularly in 2G.
Benjamin Mouandza, Director of Networks and Electronic Communications Services at ARPCE, stressed the need for operators to reduce network access failures and outages during communication, particularly on national roads.
Regarding mobile internet, 4G is doing well by offering better performance. On the other hand, operators have been called upon to improve the quality of 3G, particularly in Owando and Brazzaville for Airtel, and in Oyo and Ouesso for MTN.
Faced with these results, the ARPCE has decided to serve formal notice on MTN and Airtel, in accordance with article 27 of law number 9. This law stipulates that the operation of networks and the provision of electronic communications services must comply with rules of permanence, quality and availability.
MTN representatives expressed satisfaction with the efforts made while acknowledging the need to improve coverage on national roads. The operator also explained that the assessment coincided with quality optimisation work across the country, which could explain some of the negative results. Airtel confirmed the work carried out on national roads and justified certain results by a software update carried out on its network from 14-20 June as part of ongoing improvements.
