• Congo extends 3G network to 16 rural areas under PATN plan

• Expansion targets 30,000 people, aims to cut digital divide
  

The Congolese government announced on Thursday, October 16, the activation of its 3G network in 16 new localities across the departments of Niari, Bouenza, Pool, Lékoumou, Cuvette, and Likouala. The initiative, part of the Digital Transformation Acceleration Project (PATN), extends high-speed internet access to an estimated 30,000 people.

According to the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, this expansion provides rural populations with "access to high-speed internet, fostering education, health, entrepreneurship, and digital services."

The announcement follows the government’s earlier revelation this week that it had deployed 20 broadband access points in rural areas, with 56 more planned by year-end. The overall PATN project, which includes connecting 186 rural localities, is supported by the World Bank and the European Union with $100 million in funding. Its goal is to reduce the digital divide, strengthen digital inclusion, and accelerate the country's digital transition.

The initiative addresses significant coverage gaps. According to International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data, approximately 20% of Congo’s estimated 6 million inhabitants had no 3G coverage at the start of 2023. This coverage deficit stood at about 10% for 2G and 23% for 4G, with 5G yet to be commercially deployed. The country’s mobile internet penetration rate was 38.4%.

However, simply establishing a network in the 16 new localities does not guarantee the adoption of mobile services or their benefits. The GSM Association (GSMA) identifies several critical factors for digital service adoption and usage, including access to compatible devices like smartphones, the affordability of data plans, basic digital literacy, and the perceived utility of digital services.

Isaac K. Kassouwi