Page 94 - SAMENA Trends - May-June 2022

WHOLESALE UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

Regulator Rejects Price Hike Claims

Telecommunications (Autorite de levied and would withdraw certain offers.
Regulation des Postes et Telecom, ARPTC) In its rebuttal the ARPTC explained that
has published a statement refuting claims operators are required to seek permission
from the Federation of Companies of from the regulator to review tariffs and
Congo (La Federation des entreprises that it had not granted permission for
du Congo, FEC) that the nation’s telcos any of the nation’s providers to increase
are preparing to increase tariffs due to prices. Further, the ARPTC warned that
the introduction of new taxes on service any provider that illegally raised tariffs or
providers. Agence Ecofin cites the FEC as spread misinformation on the matter would
Congolese telecoms watchdog the saying that telcos would increase prices for be ‘severely sanctioned’ by the regulator.
Regulatory Authority of Post and the services on which the taxes are to be

MTN and CamTel Implement National Roaming for 2G, 3G and 4G Networks

MTN Cameroon has announced the signing
of a strategic national roaming agreement
with CamTel (Blue), which will allow the
state-owned operator to expand 2G, 3G and
4G coverage in areas of the country that are
not already covered by its network. CamTel’s
subscribers will benefit from access to
MTN’s existing network infrastructure,
which provides population coverage of 97%
for 2G services, 90% for 3G and 70% for 4G
services, allowing it to significantly improve
customer experience. The move comes as
CamTel is gearing up for the commercial
launch of its new nationwide GSM mobile
service, after unveiling the Blue brand for
its operations in August last year. ‘One of
MTN Group’s strategic priorities is to build
the largest and most valuable platforms,
including network as a service,’ said MTN
Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, owned Camtel is a significant development to bring our world-class services closer to
adding: ‘The roaming agreement with state- in our work to deliver on this: we are excited the people of Cameroon.’

ACM Consults on KPN, Glaspoort Wholesale Fiber Rate Reductions

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers more competition in the market in terms of commitments of KPN and Glaspoort – if
& Markets (ACM) has published a draft price and speed, making it more attractive declared binding – offer market parties
decision for public consultation in response for households to opt for faster internet. clarity and certainty for the next eight
to recent proposals from nationwide telco According to ACM’s calculation model, the years, while they can take effect quickly.’
KPN and the latter’s joint venture Glaspoort savings for households could amount to ACM has submitted its draft decision for
for lower tariffs and better conditions EUR200 million (USD216 million) per year consultation for six weeks, and will take
for wholesale access to their fiber-optic in 2026. ACM board member Manon Leijten the comments of interested parties into
networks. According to ACM, the proposed stated: ‘The proposed rate reductions account when adopting a final decision. If
commitments from KPN and Glaspoort improve the competitive position of access ACM declares the commitments binding,
could have a significant effect on the seekers, allowing them to offer more they will take effect immediately.
market for fixed internet access leading to people faster and cheaper internet. The

94 MAY-JUNE 2022