• Authorities plan to operationalize the universal service fund in 2026 to expand telecom access nationwide.

• Telecom operators will contribute 2% of annual revenue to finance infrastructure in underserved areas.

• Low connectivity levels persist, with only 12% internet penetration and limited 4G deployment.

The Central African Republic now plans to complete the effective implementation of the universal service fund in 2026. The mechanism aims to expand access to basic telecom services across the country and reduce a still significant digital divide.

The initiative ranks among the priorities of the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) for 2026. The regulator presented these priorities on Wednesday, April 15 during a budget session, where it set a projected budget of CFA6.2 billion (about $11.2 million).

A Key Lever for National Connectivity

Law No. 18.002 of January 17, 2018 provides for the creation of the universal service fund in the Central African Republic. A decree adopted in February 2019 defines its implementation and financing mechanisms. The framework defines universal service as the obligation to provide all citizens, regardless of geographic location, with continuous and affordable access to electronic communication services.

The scope includes fixed and mobile services, telephony, data transfer, and broadband internet access. It also covers free emergency calls, a universal directory, public payphones, telecenters, information services, and hybrid mail.

The mechanism also includes measures to strengthen digital inclusion. It provides for the deployment of broadband infrastructure accessible to operators and the rollout of high-speed internet in schools, health centers, municipalities, libraries, post offices, and other community facilities.

The framework promotes the development of locally relevant content and applications and supports training in information and communication technologies. It also introduces targeted measures for vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, low-income populations, women, and residents of remote areas, through adapted offers and social pricing mechanisms where necessary.

Telecom operators primarily fund the mechanism through a contribution set at 2% of their previous year’s revenue. The fund can also receive donations, loans, and subsidies from the state, local authorities, and development partners.

ARCEP will allocate these resources to one or more selected operators. These operators will deploy infrastructure in uncovered areas, regions with no planned rollout, or localities where only partial universal services exist.

Beyond Infrastructure: Access and Usage Challenges

The initiative comes as network coverage remains limited in the Central African Republic. In 2024, 2G and 3G networks covered about 60% of the population, according to the GSMA Mobile Connectivity Index. These technologies have long formed the backbone of the country’s mobile infrastructure, although many markets now consider them outdated. Operators only began commercial 4G deployment in 2025, and rollout remains ongoing.

Usage indicators also highlight structural constraints. DataReportal reported 2.49 million mobile subscribers at end-2025, representing a penetration rate of 38.1%. Internet adoption remains lower, with about 670,000 users, or roughly 12% of the population.

However, the universal service fund primarily focuses on infrastructure deployment. Network availability alone does not guarantee service adoption. Other factors influence uptake, including access to compatible devices, particularly smartphones, household income levels, service costs for data and voice, and basic digital skills.

Additional constraints include content relevance, energy access, and user trust in digital services. These factors indicate that the country faces a broader challenge that extends beyond infrastructure rollout.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum