In a release dated January 19, 2016, published on dakaractu.com, telecom operator Sonatel, Orange’s subsidiary, explains the reasons for not submitting offer for 4G licence to regulator ARTP. According to the company, ARTP’s requirements for the acquisition do not allow him and all other involved parties to create value in view of implemented benchmark.

“For example, in Morocco, 2 out the 3 operators present paid the equivalent of Fcfa30 billion whilst the country has a population which is 2.5 times greater and 3.5 times richer than Senegal’s. In Senegal, the total cost for acquisition of 4G licence is about Fcfa14.5 billion. In Guinea Bissau, Sonatel via its subsidiary Orange Bissau acquired 3G and 4G licences for 2 billion Fcfa in December,” Sonatel says. Reaffirming its interest for the 4G technology and its wish to rapidly develop in Senegal, the telecom operator however said that it currently has no means to purchase the licence as it is too costly.

Unwilling to go back on its decision regarding the conditions and price fixed for 4G licence, ARTP decided to open the call for applications to new international operators to undermine boycott from Sonatel, Tigo and Expresso.