Title: Telecom network coverage in the DRC: a challenge for Vodacom
Introduction :
Telecom network coverage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is still far from optimal. Despite its twenty years of presence on the Congolese market, Vodacom, the number one in the sector, only manages to cover 60% of the population. In this article, we will highlight the challenges facing the telecoms sector in the DRC and the impact on prices and access to services for users.
A vast territory to cover:
The DRC, the eleventh largest country in the world in terms of area, presents considerable logistical challenges in ensuring extensive network coverage. The size of the country, its landlocked situation and the absence of coastal connections are all factors that hinder the deployment of telecom networks in all regions.
Connectivity constraints:
Connectivity in the DRC depends on submarine cables arriving from the west of the country. To cover the rest of the country, network infrastructure is needed to connect the different regions. This represents a dual challenge: improving connectivity for the country as a whole and ensuring coverage in rural areas which are often more difficult to access.
Necessary investments:
Vodacom has invested more than $1.8 billion since launching operations in the DRC in 2002. Each year, the operator spends more than $100 million to improve connectivity in the country. However, achieving 100% population coverage remains a long-term goal, given the technical and logistical complexity of the task.
Price accessibility:
One of the major challenges of network coverage in the DRC is price accessibility for users. Over the years, competition between telecom operators has allowed prices to be divided by four. However, the capacity to reduce tariffs remains limited by high operational costs, particularly in areas still connected only by satellite.
Internet access:
Although almost 60% of the population has access to GSM networks and less than 30% have access to the internet, the telecommunications industry in the DRC is still in its infancy. There therefore remains significant potential for developing the use of mobile phones and the internet in the country.
Conclusion :
Telecom network coverage in the DRC represents a major challenge for operators, including Vodacom, which is the market leader. Despite considerable investments, achieving 100% population coverage will take time. Geographic and logistical constraints, as well as high operational costs, limit the ability to reduce prices for users. Nevertheless, the telecoms industry in the DRC is growing and offers great prospects for development in the years to come.