Government denies Viettel 3G exclusivity

In its edition of September 26, The Daily Economy reveals that the third-generation technology (3G), hitherto owned exclusively by Viettel Cameroon, operating under the brand Nexttel will be extended to operators Orange and MTN from 2015.

The newspaper claims that this information was revealed from the Directorate General of Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART).


By analyzing this entry of Orange and MTN in the 3G technology starting next year, a year that coincides with the termination of their operating mobile network license in Cameroon, we can conclude that the extension of exclusivity on this technology, applied to the state by Viettel Cameroon, was rejected.


Granted in 2012, this exclusivity on 3G had been put in place to allow the new entrant in the Cameroonian telecommunications market to catch up with its competitors who had a head start on him.

But launch delays of business, accused by Nextell largely weakened the asset that had been granted by the Cameroon government.


For the subscribers, the widespread use of 3G to all operators can only be beneficial.


The quality of services will evolve for prices that will certainly decline. In Central Africa, Cameroon will join the group of countries such as Chad and Gabon where 3G is already effective.