Senegal on Nov.4 has, via its post and telecom regulatory authority (ARTP), launched a public call to tender to attribute new licences to internet service providers - nationals only - interested in entering its market.

By opening its national internet market to new operators, the government wants to “insure the harmonious development of the telecommunication sector”, ARTP emphasizes.

With more Internet Service Providers, ARTP expects internet coverage across the nation to expand, subsequently driving internet offer up and associated costs down. This implies that more users would be able to access internet at affordable rates. This should in turn contribute to the development of the digital economy which the country is presently establishing.

According to ARTP, firms interested in entering Senegal’s internet market are to submit their bid at its headquarters latest by December 7, 2016. All bids submitted beyond this deadline will be rejected.

Muriel Edjo