• Chad’s telecom sector struggles with unreliable electricity and fuel shortages, threatening network stability.
• ARCEP recommends hybrid power systems combining diesel generators and solar panels to improve service.
• Dependence on Cameroon’s bandwidth and infrastructure adds risks to Chad’s telecom connectivity.

Telecom operators in Chad, like in many African nations, rely heavily on stable electricity to keep their equipment running—yet power access remains limited and unreliable.

To address this, the Chadian Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP) is urging telecom companies to adopt solar energy to power their infrastructure. This shift aims to improve the resilience of telecom networks, which are currently affected by frequent outages and fuel shortages.

"Today, they [telecom operators] are energy-dependent. There is a fuel shortage. Many of their sites rely on diesel generators, and given the current crisis, it's extremely difficult to maintain service in remote areas," explained Choua Haliki, ARCEP’s Director General, in an interview published on Tribune Echos via the authority’s Facebook page on July 16.

To overcome these challenges, ARCEP recommends a hybrid energy model, combining generators with solar panels, especially given that only 12% of Chad's population has access to electricity, according to the "Energy Progress Report 2023" by the World Bank and IEA. Persistent blackouts further worsen the situation for operators and consumers alike.

The Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) notes that African telecom operators face significant energy-related hurdles. These include unreliable grid access, frequent outages, high fuel prices, and limited availability of renewable energy sources. Heavy reliance on diesel generators further drives up operational costs and adds to the burden.

To counter these issues, solar power emerges as a viable alternative. It provides clean, renewable energy and is locally available—an advantage in countries like Chad, where grid electricity is scarce. The African Development Bank estimates Chad's solar radiation at 4.5 to 6.5 kWh per square meter per day, offering solid potential for solar infrastructure.

Yet, GSMA warns that solar’s effectiveness is limited. Sunlight availability caps out at 10–12 hours daily, and weather conditions further reduce this. Moreover, the up-front cost of equipment and long-term maintenance can be significant.

Beyond energy concerns, Chad’s telecom sector suffers from fragile international connectivity. According to ARCEP's Choua Haliki, the country’s complete dependence on Cameroon for bandwidth is risky. Repeated vandalism and outdated infrastructure in Cameroon disrupt access, further degrading telecom performance in Chad.

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

Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum