(Ecofin Agency) - Centrafrique telecom regulator (ART) reached out to mobile operators Moov, Orange, Telecel, and Azur regarding the poor quality of service in the country. Many members of the government during their campaigning, for legislative and presidential polls to be held on December 27, 2015, in provinces far from the capital, Bangui, complained about difficulties with the various mobile networks.

Notified, the telecom regulator asked the operators to see the matter, which could impair elections, solved. For their defense, the operators said they are not responsible for the situation but rather that their equipment was being sabotaged by armed groups. These groups, according to the operators, prevent reparation on the damaged equipment unless ransom is paid.

For operators, paying to acquire repairing material for the damaged equipment and subsequently paying the demanded ransom is too expensive. Government therefore promised to help these operators secure their infrastructures.