“Wifi zones” in Togo under threat: operators called to regularize their activity
In Togo, the activity of “Wifi zones” is currently threatened following new regulatory measures. This activity, which allows holders of an Internet connection to market access to other consumers, is entirely legal, according to the Regulatory Authority for Electrical Communications and Posts. However, it must be subject to a declaration. The operators of these “Wifi zones” denounce an abuse, while the regulator calls on them to regularize their activity.
Last February, Togo’s main Internet service provider, Togocom, declared that the operation of “Wifi zones” was illegal and promised to deactivate them. A few months later, the electronic communications regulatory authority recalled that this activity must be declared before being carried out. Economic operators therefore have three months to regularize their situation.
This situation worries the operators of “Wifi zones”, who denounce the abusive cutoff without notification on the part of Togocom. These “Wifi zones” were born with access to optical fiber and have become very lucrative from 2018. They allow low-income populations to have access to the Internet at low cost, even in the most remote regions of the country. country.
The Consumer League of Togo (LCT) recognizes the need to regularize this activity, but requests that the provisions governing the law be adapted to the needs of the country. The president of the LCT, Emmanuel Sogadzi, says he is ready to defend consumers before the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (Arcep).
It is important to note that the Internet service provider, Togocom, did not respond to requests and that Arcep called on Togocom to immediately stop the abusive cuts.
This situation highlights the importance of “Wifi zones” in Togo, not only in terms of Internet accessibility for low-income populations, but also in terms of economic development. The regulation of this activity should therefore be adapted to support these initiatives without hindering their growth.
Sources:
– https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20171107-togo-l-activit%C3%A9-wifi-zone-menac%C3%A9e-extinction
– https://www.republicoftogo.com/Toutes-les-rubriques/Medias/Wifi-Zone-menaces-de-desactivation