MOBILE TELEPHONE NETWORKS IN CAMEROON:ANALYSIS OF THE PRECARIOUS NETWORK CONNECTION SERVICES

From the 3G network to 4G, Cameroon should be better of interms of speed quality and large network coverage throughout the country, but access to network services remains a major problem. Government has deployed both technical and human resource services on the ground for a better coverage, better service offer, and better network speed for users. Although, there has been a steady progress made so far as compared to the yesteryears, much still needs to be done, especially as consumers grumble persistently over the poor network services in Cameroon, notably MTN and Orange, while hoping for a better quality service: broadband.

MTN which is used by the majority of Cameroonians has been a source of disappointment recently. After hooking up with some inhabitants in the economic capital, this reporter understood their ordeal as far as internet connection in Cameroon is concerned. “I am fade up with the MTN network system. The network is very poor due to congestion of the lines, too many people using it. Recently I have been using Orange for data connection because MTN has been messing up. Then, I use MTN for calls and it is still a mess. Most times you call someone countless times to no avail whereas the phone is on and active. One has to insist severally before the line may go through. It is just too unfortunately almost everyone I know uses MTN and one is forced to continue with the MTN network so as to have an easy access, if not I would have completely diverted to another service network like CAMTEL which is better and faster than MTN or Orange,” said an inhabitant ofBamenda.

Another user disclosed that, “MTN has been losing network lately and as we speak I was at the CAMTEL office yesterday to get a new sim card and data connection,” said an inhabitant of Yaounde.

“I am a fan of MTN though their network has been very poor lately and if it continues I will likely switch to CAMTEL or orange. Despite the fact that they are one of the main network providers in the country, if the continue with such problems then they risk loosing most of their customers. So many people are already switching to Camtel, Orange, Nextel, and even Yoomee,” explained an inhabitant of Douala.

“The last time MTN faced this same issue of poor network connection, was in January 2020 when they claimed it was due to some damages of two undersea cables-WACS and SAT3/WASC cable systems on the continent’s western coast near Libreville in Gabon and the vicinity of Luanda, Angola. What then could be the cause of the poor network this time around?” questioned an inhabitant of Douala. Though the duration of this precarious network and internet services remain undetermined, the good news is that another mobile network operator, dubbed “Blue” initiated by CAMTEL have come with tHe intention of solving the problem of poor connection services in the country. After the launch of CAMTEL Bue, inhabitants are now anxiously waiting for what this new network services has to offer.

S.F