may 15, 2019 - Cameroon telcoצs taken to task over irregular installations

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MTN Cameroon's proposed tariff plan for 2019 has been rejected by the Cameroon Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB).

The regulator rejected the operator's technical offering and pricing conditions for access and sharing of network infrastructure because it reportedly did not respect certain proposals made by regulator's board.

TRB had recommended that MTN Cameroon reduce the cost of interconnection for SMS and voice by 50%, eliminate validity periods for SMS bundles, reduce SMS tariffs by 30% as well as reduce the surcharge distribution key in favour of partners.

The regulator had also asked the company to define the maximum duration of an internet session and the period of disconnection, and to reduce the 40% activation fee. The network operators had been urged to remove fixed monthly fees which do not correspond to any service, validity duration of offers, amongst others.

Ali Soungui, TRB's Director of Licensing, Competition and Interconnection, said the time for administrative tolerance has had to come to an end. "Operators who install masts and telecom towers must respect all binding regulations, specifically an April 18 order of the Minister of Posts and Telecommunications fixing conditions of installation of pylons and towers for telecommunications purposes in Cameroon."

Soungui cited a 2010 law regulating telecommunications in Cameroon; a 2012 prime ministerial order fixing conditions of interconnection, access to electronic network communication for the public and infrastructure sharing; and a 2013 prime ministerial order fixing maximum limits of exposure to radiation.

The Director added that the installation of pylons supported by ropes in towns and villages is a common violation and is prohibited in residential areas.

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