(Ecofin Agency) - The Congolese telecom regulator (ARPCE) gives operators until December 2020 to improve the quality of their services across the country. In a recent survey report, ARPCE found that MTN and Airtel dropped in their network coverage. Numerous white zones (localities not covered by telecom networks) were identified throughout the national territory.

The current situation can be explained by the coronavirus episode, which has strongly hampered the field operations of telecom companies. “The staff has been reduced, as night operations have been canceled due to curfews. This has affected the quality of services," acknowledged Louis-Marc Sakala (pictured), Head ARPCE.

But with the loosening of restrictions, Louis-Marc Sakala calls on telecom operators to take action to remedy the situation. According to him, although ARPCE is responsible for ensuring coverage of the entire national territory in infrastructure and electronic communications services, particularly in rural or landlocked areas, within the framework of the Universal Access and Service Fund, telecom operators must first assume their responsibilities and comply with their specifications.