Chad’s telecommunications regulator, ARCEP, has launched its 15th national audit to assess the quality of mobile network services across the country, responding to mounting public frustration over unreliable connectivity and high service costs. This initiative reflects a growing urgency to hold operators accountable and ensure that citizens receive consistent, high-quality mobile services. The audit will scrutinize the performance of major providers, including Airtel Chad and Moov Africa Chad, both of which have faced criticism for frequent outages, slow internet speeds, and poor customer service.
The regulator’s move is part of a broader national strategy to modernize Chad’s digital infrastructure and improve access to reliable communication tools. Central to this effort is the PMICE initiative, which includes the deployment of a 1,275-kilometer fiber optic backbone designed to enhance connectivity across the country. ARCEP has issued a firm directive to all mobile operators, requiring them to connect to this backbone within one week or face potential sanctions. The regulator has made it clear that excuses such as fuel shortages for cell sites will no longer be tolerated, emphasizing that citizen satisfaction must take precedence over operational delays.
This audit is not merely a technical exercise—it is a statement of intent. By conducting regular and rigorous evaluations, ARCEP aims to foster transparency, improve service delivery, and restore public confidence in the telecommunications sector. The regulator’s insistence on accountability signals a shift toward a more consumer-focused approach, where the needs of everyday users are prioritized. As mobile networks become increasingly vital for education, commerce, and social connection, ensuring their reliability is no longer optional, it is essential for national progress.
The outcome of this audit could have far-reaching implications, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape and driving improvements in infrastructure investment. For Chad’s citizens, it represents a long-awaited opportunity to see tangible improvements in the services they rely on daily. For operators, it is a clear message that the era of unchecked service lapses is coming to an end. ARCEP’s 15th audit stands as a pivotal moment in the country’s digital evolution, one that could redefine the standards of mobile connectivity for years to come.