The Senegalese government is actively pursuing the goal of universal access to telecommunication services for its citizens.
It is undertaking various initiatives to align these services with the population’s purchasing power, including a recently announced tariff reduction in June.
Call for Further Tariff Reductions
Alioune Sall, Senegal’s Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and the Digital Economy, urged telecom operators to intensify their efforts to reduce the cost of accessing their services.
This call to action was made during the opening ceremony of the consultation days on the regulation of electronic communications, held in Dakar on August 8th and 9th.
Emphasis on Internet Accessibility
The Minister specifically requested the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (ARTP) to “establish tariff regulation capable of reconciling the sector’s balance with quality services for accessible electronic communications.” He placed particular emphasis on Internet access, which has “become essential in household consumption.”
Consumer Concerns and Advocacy
Minister Sall’s appeal comes amidst persistent complaints from Senegalese telecom consumers about the high cost of services provided by operators.
During the opening ceremony, Massokhna Kane, president of SOS Consommateurs, a consumer rights advocacy group, called for continuous tariff reviews and adjustments to align with consumer purchasing power.
The formation of a “Front Against the High Cost of Internet Connection” (F4C) on May 10th further underscores this concern.
Alignment with Broader Digital Goals
The push for affordable and quality telecom services aligns with the government’s efforts to promote widespread ICT usage and accelerate its ambition to establish Senegal as a leader in digital transformation in Africa by 2029.
In June, the government had already announced a reduction in call and Internet costs.
Impact on Adoption and Usage
More affordable rates are expected to boost the adoption and usage of telecom services in Senegal. According to ARTP data, the country had 22.9 million mobile phone subscribers and 20.7 million Internet subscribers as of March 31st.
While the penetration rates for both services exceed 100%, the actual figures are likely lower due to the phenomenon of multiple SIM card ownership.