Communication cost sees slump as new cable system launches

Cameroon’s communication regime characterized by poor communication services, snail pace internet connections and faulty technological services may be coming to an end as the West Africa Cable System (WACS), a submarine Fibre Optic Cable Landing Station, has been handed over to the Cameroon Telecommunications (CAMTEL).

This was revealed by Jean Pierre Biyiti Bi Essam, Minster of Posts and Telecommunications as he chaired the handing over ceremony last week. He also noted that the WACS will stimulate internet services while reducing communication costs as soon as it goes live.

“We expect call rates and that of the internet services to drop while there will be speedy internet services. Activities such as telemedicine, distance learning, electronic commerce, online games etc will be improved,” he said.

The Cable System Was bought from the MTN Group at the cost of FCFA 14 billion ($28 million) two months ago. Officials of the CAMTEL say the facility has a life span of 25 years, and that measures have been taken for effective maintenance and sustainability of the station.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the General Manager of CAMTEL, David Nkoto Emane, pledged to fully utilize the Optical fiber equipment to serve the technological needs of the West Africans while also synthesizing with other Telecommunications companies.