(Business in Cameroon) – Camtel, Cameroon’s national telecommunications provider, is urging government authorities, businesses, and local communities to take action to safeguard the country’s vital telecom infrastructure. The call comes amid growing concerns about ongoing damage to the fiber optic network, which is affecting service quality for customers.
In a September 30 statement, Camtel pointed out that repeated disruptions to the fiber optic network, for which it holds the monopoly, are mainly due to vandalism and damage caused by public works projects.
The issue is escalating. MTN Cameroon reported a 40% increase in fiber optic cable cuts this year compared to 2023. In a notice issued on September 23, MTN labeled the situation as “alarming,” highlighting that since August, the network has been experiencing an average of two fiber cuts per day.
Raising awareness among stakeholders is a step toward reducing this damage and improving the quality of telecom services, but setting up stronger regulations to protect critical infrastructure remains essential. For example, in Nigeria, where 59,000 fiber cuts were recorded in 2022 and 2023, the government passed a law criminalizing the destruction of telecom infrastructure, including fiber optics, in August.
Camtel is also encouraged to improve its energy solutions to tackle unexpected power outages. South African telecom companies have responded to similar challenges by investing in diesel generators, batteries, renewable energy solutions like solar, and other energy-efficient measures.
