In Togo, the “Wifi zone” activity is threatened with extinction after new regulatory measures. This activity, which allows holders of a connection to market access to it for other consumers, is indeed legal, assures the Regulatory Authority for Electrical Communications and Posts. But it must be subject to a declaration. The operators of “Wifi zones” denounce an abuse while the regulator calls on them to regularize their activity.
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With our correspondent in Lomé, Peter Sassou Dogbe
Last February, Togocom, the country’s main access provider, judged the exploitation of “ Wifi zones” illicit, and promised to deactivate them. A few months later, it is the turn of the electronic communications regulatory authority to remind that the activity is subject to a declaration before carrying it out. Economic operators have three months to regularize their situation.
The situation worries operators: Michael Agbognigan, the president of the national association of wifi zone operators, denounces the abusive cutoff without notification on the part of Togocom.
These “Wifi zones” were born with access to optical fiber and the activity has become very lucrative from 2018: it allows low-income populations to afford the internet at low cost, even in the most remote regions of Togo.
It is necessary to regularize, admits the Consumers’ League of Togo (LCT), but the provisions governing the law must be adapted to national needs. The president of the LCT Emmanuel Sogadzi says he is ready to defend consumers before the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (Arcep).
The internet service provider, Togocom, did not respond to our requests. As for Arcep, it called on Togocom in a press release on Tuesday evening, October 10, to immediately stop the abusive cuts.