The drama between ARCEP Togo, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts, and mobile phone operators has only just begun. In a press release published on November 23, 2020, the authority declares that it has taken note of the alignment of intra-network and inter-network tariffs that it has requested, but that it disapproves of the increase in intra-network tariffs noted.

It all started with a formal notice issued on November 12, 2020 by the regulator to the companies Atlantique Télécom Togo (Moov) and Togo Cellulaire (Togocel) for practices of differentiating the prices of "on-net" communications (intra-network) and "off-net" (inter-network), in violation of their specifications. In the aftermath, the two operators announced a tariff reorganization, without however succeeding in escaping a new threat from the former ARTP (Regulatory Authority for the Post and Telecommunications Sectors).

“ARCEP takes note of the reaction of the two mobile telephone operators who have aligned intra- and inter-network tariffs. ARCEP notes a drop of 20 FCFA/minute in inter-network tariffs and an increase of 10 FCFA/minute in intra-network tariffs”, reads a press release made public on November 23, 2020, three days after the application. new prices. Faced with this increase, the Regulatory Authority indicates that it “notified its disapproval to the two operators” on November 20 and 23, and “required explanations, within 24 hours”.

“ARCEP will exercise all the powers conferred on it by its prerogatives of the legal and regulatory framework so that the alignment of “on-net/off-net” tariffs does not serve as a pretext for an increase in intra-network tariffs”, continues- she.

For the time being, radio silence among the operators. Their reaction to this new injunction from the regulator should not wait, according to a source familiar with the matter.

As a reminder, the turnover of the two operators increased by 6% in 2019, from 150 billion FCFA in 2018 to 159.5 billion in 2019 according to a report on market developments. The two are respectively controlled by Maroc Telecom since 2015 with regard to Moov, and Togocom, the former national incumbent Togo Telecom privatized in 2019.