• Senegal launches a public consultation to define operational and regulatory rules for fiber optic network sharing.

• Authorities aim to reduce duplication, lower investment costs, and expand high-speed internet coverage.

• Fiber sharing aligns with Senegal’s national digital strategy targeting universal connectivity and digital economy growth by 2034.

The Telecommunications and Posts Regulatory Authority (ARTP) opened a public consultation on March 23, inviting sector stakeholders to submit feedback by April 14. The consultation covers technical, economic, legal, and operational aspects of FTTX deployment and mutualization. Authorities aim to use the input to design a regulatory environment conducive to sustainable high-speed broadband expansion.

Mutualization as a lever for investment efficiency

ARTP highlighted that uncoordinated parallel deployments, heterogeneous network architectures, and absence of structured co-investment frameworks create inefficiencies and undermine competition. Authorities see network sharing as a solution to reduce capital expenditure, limit infrastructure duplication, and ensure fair access to essential resources.

The initiative supports Senegal’s national digital transformation agenda, the “New Deal Technologique,” which emphasizes universal connectivity, digital sovereignty, and growth of the digital economy by 2034. Fiber networks will underpin services such as telework, e-learning, streaming, IoT, AI, and cloud computing.

Regulatory framework for infrastructure sharing

Senegal’s national digital strategy anticipates infrastructure sharing as a core tool for broadband expansion. ARTP previously launched two pilot projects in July 2025 targeting FTTX unbundling and network mutualization, especially in less commercially attractive areas. In December 2023, the regulator formalized co-investment rules covering passive and active infrastructure—including ducts, poles, fiber strands, cabinets, and technical rooms.

ARTP ensures co-investment offers promote fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory competition while guaranteeing effective access for non-participating operators.

Reducing costs and expanding access

ARTP projects that network sharing will lower CAPEX and operational costs, ultimately reducing service prices for end-users. The ITU and GSMA confirm that infrastructure sharing drives price reductions. In Senegal, 5 GB of fixed internet currently costs 15.1% of monthly income, compared to the ITU affordability benchmark of 2%.

As of end-2025, Senegal had roughly 600,000 fiber-connected lines, covering 29.2% of 2.06 million households, excluding enterprise connections. Authorities expect that broader mutualization will accelerate adoption and improve affordability nationwide.

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

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de Berry Quenum