Telecom

Canal Box's Entry Could Shake Up Benin’s Internet Market

Canal Box's Entry Could Shake Up Benin’s Internet Market
Tuesday, 11 March 2025 17:02

Competition is nothing new on Benin's internet market, but the potential arrival of another player signals an aggressive rivalry that will benefit consumers and contribute to the growth of digital services in the country.

Canal Box, the internet service offering from Vivendi, known for its aggressive pricing in other African markets, is set to launch in Benin. Although there’s been no official announcement so far, a source within the sector, who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the information, confirmed the news. This marks the beginning of a new competitive battle in Benin’s internet market.

In the eight African countries where Canal Box is already available, Vivendi has quickly gained market share by offering high-quality services at competitive prices. According to details from the product’s website, customers can enjoy download speeds of up to 200 Mbps for a monthly fee ranging from CFA17,000 (around $28) to CFA54,000 (around $89), depending on the country.

The most recent fixed internet pricing (September 2024) from Benin’s telecommunications regulator, ARCEP, shows a stark contrast. The Société béninoise d’infrastructures numériques (SBIN) charges up to CFA100,000 per month for a 150 Mbps plan, while the Internet service provider (ISP) Isocel offers the same service for CFA160,000. For dedicated connections, SBIN’s fee reaches CFA3.3 million per month, and Isocel’s is CFA2.49 million. To stand out, Isocel focuses on excellent after-sales service and a long-standing presence in Benin’s economic capital, Cotonou.

For multinational companies like MTN and Moov Africa (a subsidiary of Maroc Télécom), mobile internet offers can go up to 2,000 gigabits for an unlimited plan, but at a steep price of CFA125,000 for 30 days. Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, still faces a high initial cost (CFA430,000) for equipment, with questions about its responsiveness in case of outages.

The entry of Canal Box is expected to increase the competitive pressure that has already been felt on the market. By the third quarter of 2024, MTN Benin had already seen a decline in revenue from its "services" segment, which includes internet, dropping to around CFA58 billion ($98 million) from nearly CFA67 billion in the same period of 2023. With Canal Box set to intensify the competition, Benin’s internet market holds promising prospects.

A report published in late January 2025 by the GSMA suggests that ongoing reforms in internet development and the digitization of sectors such as agriculture, industry, transportation, trade, and public administration could add an additional CFA514 billion in value, create 202,000 jobs, and collect CFA157 billion in taxes. If Canal Box’s competitive pricing helps democratize internet access, it could push ISPs to go beyond simple connectivity and offer more dynamic, wider solutions.

The key now will be the details of Canal Box’s entry into Benin. A major point to watch is whether Vivendi will rely on SBIN’s infrastructure for its connectivity or if the French company will deploy its own infrastructure, utilizing only existing support facilities like poles and cable routes. These details will help assess the true economic impact of the new player in Benin’s economy.

On the same topic
• Chad’s telecom sector struggles with unreliable electricity and fuel shortages, threatening network stability.• ARCEP recommends hybrid power systems...
Efficient water systems lower operational costs, unlock public funding, and support national development goals. By harnessing technology, this partnership...
Tanzania introduces e-Kilimo, a digital platform connecting farmers to extension agents via mobile app. The platform enables tracking of input...
Key Highlights • New national plan “Tchad Connexion 2030” earmarks $1.5 billion for digital transformation.• Government aims to boost internet...
Most Read
01

• Inflation within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) fell to a two-year low of 0....

UEMOA: Inflation Drops to 0.6% in May, Driven by Lower Food Prices
02

Flutterwave gained a BCEAO license to operate in Senegal, expanding to 35 African countries. ...

Flutterwave Gains Senegal License, Eyes Growth in $1.5T African Payments Market
03

In Africa, the private sector is widely seen as the main engine of industrialization and plays a cen...

West Africa has tools to build strong industry, says IFC’s Olivier Buyoya
04

 President Paul Biya, 92, to seek eighth term in October 2025 election In power since 19...

Cameroon: Paul Biya Officially Enters Presidential Race for Eighth Term
05

• Interbank volumes rose 18.7% in May, while rates declined across the market• The BCEAO cut its mai...

WAEMU Sees Easing Conditions on Regional Interbank Market
Enter your email to receive our newsletter

Ecofin Agency provides daily coverage of nine key African economic sectors: public management, finance, telecoms, agribusiness, mining, energy, transport, communication, and education.
It also designs and manages specialized media, both online and print, for African institutions and publishers.

SALES & ADVERTISING

regie@agenceecofin.com 
Tél: +41 22 301 96 11 
Mob: +41 78 699 13 72


EDITORIAL
redaction@agenceecofin.com

More information
Team
Publisher

ECOFIN AGENCY

Mediamania Sarl
Rue du Léman, 6
1201 Geneva
Switzerland

 

Ecofin Agency is a sector-focused economic news agency, founded in December 2010. Its web platform was launched in June 2011. ©Mediamania.

 
 

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.