Unveiling the Truth: 3 User Associations Expose Hidden Secrets to Togo’s Top 2 Operators

The quality of service of mobile phone operators in Togo, free roaming, the situation of scams, the conditions of the quality of service (QoS) survey of a national campaign carried out in 2024 conducted by the communications police officer, Arcep were on the menu for a meeting with the press. The initiative comes from 3 user associations (ATC, LCT) and the MMLK). These 3 associations took the opportunity to prescribe the medicine needed to satisfy users

In Togo, users of mobile phone networks, two operators exist in the country, continue to deteriorate the quality of services offered. But, the latest survey conducted by Arcep Togo showed a significant improvement in the performance of mobile phone operators Togo Cellular (TGC) and Moov Africa Togo (MAT). 2024 and was conducted between July 15 and August 23, 2024 on a representative sample of 94 districts, covering approximately 40% of the Togolese population. The indicators assessed include voice, 3G and 4G mobile internet services, which allow a detailed analysis of operators’ compliance with established regulatory standards.

In a press conference on October 31, 224 in Lomé, the Association of Togolese Consumers (ATC), the League of Consumers of Togo (LCT) and the call of the Martin Luther King Movement (MMLK) Togocom and Moov Africa Togo welcomed the content of the report. They recognized that there was little performance compared to quality. “Today, any user can make a call although we recognize there is a lot to do”acknowledges the coordinator of the MMLK movement, Pastor Komi Edoh.

In Togo, communication remains more expensive compared to other countries in the sub-region. At this point, the 3 user associations are unanimous but, they are not resting on their laurels because, informs the MMLK which states, work is being done with Arcep, the telephone operators also so that the cheaper prices for consumers.

Recommendations

“We are in a UEMOA area where operators must demand standards. Therefore, during the press conference, the 3 consumer protection associations made recommendations to operators. Among other recommendations, operators are asked to review the quality and price so that it is cheaper. Also, consumer associations have returned to the issue of complaints raised by consumers regularly but to no avail. “We are calling on operators to consider consumer complaints and ensure they are processed within a more reasonable timeframe“, urges Pastor Edoh Komi towards the activists.

In their opening statement read by Dr Emmanuel Sogadji, user associations, concerned about mobile provision in remote areas, encourage operators to draw inspiration from alternative technologies from other countries. “It is essential to increase investment in infrastructure, especially by installing new antennas and base stations”; “Exploring alternative technologies such as mesh networks, satellites or drones can also offer solutions where traditional tower construction is impractical or too expensive”

“Many countries have adopted innovative technologies to improve connectivity in rural areas. For example, in Kenya, mesh networks allow devices to connect to each other, creating a mesh that extends signal range without the need for expensive centralized infrastructure. In India, operators such as OneWeb and Starlin use satellites to provide internet access to remote areas, overcoming geographic challenges with limited terrestrial infrastructure. Finally, in countries such as the US and the UK, small cells are placed on buildings to boost coverage in rural areas, providing an efficient and less intrusive solution.», underline these connections.

TGT

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