Cameroon’s Telecom Regulator Moves to Recover $52 Million in Unpaid Operator Debts

Cameroon’s Telecommunications Regulatory Board (TRB) has launched a sweeping debt recovery campaign targeting over $52 million owed by telecom operators in unpaid license fees and regulatory fines. The effort marks a renewed push to enforce compliance across an industry facing rising scrutiny over service quality and operational standards.

The TRB confirmed that the outstanding debts span multiple years and involve several licensed and concession operators. According to a TRB official, the initiative aims to restore accountability and strengthen governance in Cameroon’s digital ecosystem.

“This is about creating a level playing field and ensuring operators deliver on their commitments to consumers and the state,” the official stated.

Enforcement Tools and Legal Measures

At a recent extraordinary board meeting in Ebolowa, chaired by Justine Diffo, the TRB authorized the use of the “preferential right of the treasury”, a legal tool that gives the regulator power to seize assets or impose sanctions on defaulters. The move signals a firm regulatory posture amid ongoing consumer dissatisfaction with network reliability.

While the TRB has not disclosed the names of companies under review, speculation points to MTN Cameroon, Orange Cameroon, and state-run Camtel. These firms have previously faced regulatory action, including a 2023 penalty of $9.7 million spread across four operators for service failures and SIM registration violations.

Quality of Service Under Scrutiny

Despite Cameroon’s 87% mobile penetration rate, network reliability continues to lag behind regional peers. A 2024 report from the African Telecommunications Union ranked Cameroon below Nigeria and Ghana in mobile service quality.

“Operators must respect their obligations to ensure that Cameroonians benefit from affordable and reliable telecom services,” said TRB chair Justine Diffo.

The regulator’s strategy reflects growing pressure on telcos to support Vision 2035, the national roadmap for transforming Cameroon into an emerging digital economy. The government has prioritized rural connectivity and broadband expansion, but these efforts have been hindered by persistent regulatory breaches.

Industry Reaction and Economic Context

The recovery campaign comes at a challenging time. Rising inflation, fuel price increases, and currency depreciation have escalated operating costs for telcos. In its 2024 financial report, MTN Cameroon reported a 12% hike in infrastructure maintenance costs, citing surging fuel prices as a key contributor.

Industry analysts warn that the regulator’s actions could strain relations between the state and network providers already under economic pressure. However, they acknowledge the long-term benefits of stronger enforcement.

“The TRB is sending a strong signal, but recovering such a large sum could prove contentious,” said Douala-based telecom analyst Marie Nfor.

No formal responses have been issued by the targeted operators as of the time of this report. However, sources close to MTN Cameroon say the company is assessing its outstanding obligations and intends to cooperate with the TRB to resolve any disputes.

What’s Next for Cameroon’s Telecom Sector?

The debt recovery process is expected to unfold in phases over the coming months. If successful, it could reset operator-government relations and push for overdue investment in service quality. For consumers, the outcome may determine whether the sector finally delivers the affordability and consistency long demanded in a digitizing nation.