(Ecofin Agency) - Four telecom operators are active in the Nigerien telecom market: Airtel, Zamani, Moov Africa, and Niger Telecoms. In 2022, they collectively generated approximately $406.7 million.

Last week, the Nigerien telecommunications regulatory authority, ARCEP, announced a fine of 4.32 billion CFA francs (approximately $7.3 million) on telecom operators in the country. Celtel (Airtel Niger), Moov Africa, Niger Telecoms, and Zamani were fined for failing to meet their quality commitments.

According to ARCEP, Zamani is fined 1.36 billion CFA francs; Airtel, 1.35 billion CFA francs; Niger Telecoms, 1.19 billion CFA francs; and Moov Africa, 402.5 million CFA francs.

In August 2022, ARCEP warned the four telecom operators following quality control in a dozen localities. They were given four months from August 31, 2022, to address the identified shortcomings.

From January 9 to March 20 this year, the telecom watchdog conducted a follow-up control in the same localities to assess the corrections. Niger Telecoms, Zamani, Airtel, and Moov Africa achieved respective correction rates of 20.68%, 22.5%, 55.68%, and 62.2%.

Through these financial penalties, ARCEP aims to ensure that telecom operators adhere to the quality and coverage standards outlined in their respective service agreements. Improving telecom services' quality and coverage is expected to benefit not only consumers but also telecom companies and the state.

Isaac K. Kassouwi