WATRA
WATRA works with national telecommunication regulatory authorities in 16 member states in West Africa to promote the adoption of regulations that stimulate investment in telecommunication infrastructure, deliver more affordable communication services to more citizens, enable faster and more secure economic transactions, and facilitate wider and easier access to public services. Together, we work to improve telecommunication sector regulation for economic transformation and social development of all communities in West Africa.
Digital Economy & Telecomms Regulation Trends
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Telecommunications: in Gabon, Airtel becomes the first private operator authorized to establish and operate a fixed network
Three months after launching an ambitious project to deploy 208 km of optical fiber between Libreville and Port-Gentil, at an estimated cost of 4.3 billion CFA francs, Airtel Gabon has taken a new step by signing a strategic agreement with the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP). This agreement authorizes the operator to extend its activities to fixed services, including fixed telephony and high-speed internet.
Starlink Goes Live in Liberia
Starlink, Space X’s satellite internet service, has announced that the service is officially operational in Liberia. This marks Starlink’s first market entry into Africa in 2025, laying the groundwork for more penetration across the continent.
Telcos May Suspend USSD Service over N200bn Owed By Banks
Indications are rife that telecoms operators may have received the nod from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) debt owed telecoms operators by Deposit Money Banks (DMBs).
Sources: NCC may suspend USSD service amid N259bn debt dispute
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is planning to take drastic measures to end the lingering dispute between telcos and banks over the unstructured supplementary service data (USDD) debt, TheCable understands.
USSD: FG to publish list of banks owing telcos N200bn
There are indications that the Federal government will today list out names of 18 banks owing almost N200 billion to Nigerian telecom operators on Unstructured Supplementary Service Data, USSD, and remained adamant towards settling it for several years.
N200bn USSD debt: NCC to name defaulting banks this week
The Nigerian Communications Commission will this week publicly release the names of 18 banks that have failed to settle their outstanding debts for using Mobile Network Operators’ Unstructured Supplementary Service Data platforms.
Benin on the path to universal connectivity
Benin is accelerating its efforts to ensure widespread access to high-speed Internet throughout its territory. As part of its ambitious digital transformation project, the country plans to connect 18 additional municipalities to optical fiber by mid-2025
LTA Launches Consumer Protection Regulations to Safeguard Telecom Users’ Rights
On November 22, the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) officially launched the Consumer Protection Regulations (CPR), a groundbreaking law designed to safeguard the rights of telecom consumers.
LTA Equips Liberians to Combat Cybercrimes
Cybercrime continues to pose a significant threat to users of digital and technological products worldwide, with individuals and organizations falling victim to various forms of cyber attacks. From data breaches to ransom ware and identity theft, the impact of cybercrimes can be devastating, resulting in financial losses, reputational damage, and privacy violations.
MTN launches Benin’s first commercial 5G network
Telecom operator MTN Benin officially launched the country’s first commercial 5G network on Friday, with initial services available in select areas of the port city of Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso end roaming charges on telephone calls
Telecommunications regulators from Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, meeting in Niamey, signed a historic agreement abolishing telephone roaming charges between their countries.
Ghana collaborates to expand ECOWAS free roaming to the Gambia
The National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation and Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), is currently engaged in negotiations with relevant stakeholders in The Gambia to advance the implementation of ECOWAS Free Roaming.
Guinea: ARPT hosts the West African Telecom Regulators Meeting
Guinea will host the 2nd session of the Working Group Meeting of the West African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (WATRA) from November 19 to 22, 2024. The session is under the theme: ” Supporting Digital Transformation in West Africa: Strengthening Connectivity, Security and Access. “
Télécommunications: Ouverture à Conakry de la réunion des groupes de travail des experts de l’ARTAO
Les travaux de la 3ème session des groupes de travail des experts de l’Association des régulateurs des télécommunications de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (ARTAO), ont été lancés ce mardi 19 novembre 2024, au siège de l’Autorité de régulation des postes et télécommunication (ARPT), à Conakry.
Starlink suspends new orders across Nigeria until NCC’s price review
Elon Musk’s Starlink says it has suspended orders for its residential kits across Nigeria with a note that the suspension will be lifted after securing approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its recently announced price increment.
NCC To Limit Telecom Operators to Seven Tariff Plans
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has introduced an initiative to limit telecom operators to a maximum of seven tariff plans each, aiming to improve transparency and reduce the vast array of tariff options and promotional elements that make it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions.
Nigeria caps telecom tariff plans to follow India’s lead
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is moving to simplify more than 369 existing telecoms tariff plans to help consumers make informed decisions.
Nigeria, UK tie up to combat cyber-crime
Nigeria and the United Kingdom (UK) have joined forces to combat rising cyber-crime as part of a broader strategic partnership between the two countries.
NCC Launches Tariff Simplification Initiative to Boost Telecom Transparency
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has taken a major step to enhance transparency and improve consumer understanding in the telecom industry with its Tariff Simplification initiative.
ARTAO - Saisir les opportunités numériques pour la transformation économique en Afrique de l’Ouest
Aujourd’hui, à l’ère du numérique, la technologie est devenue une force transformatrice, remodelant les industries, bouleversant les modèles commerciaux traditionnels et autonomisant des millions de personnes dans le monde. L’Afrique de l’Ouest, une région riche en diversité culturelle et débordante d’énergie juvénile, se trouve à un tournant critique.
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
January 20, 2025
Regulatory Policy Developments
December 12, 2024
Regulatory Policy Developments
July 4, 2024
ABOUT WATRA
WATRA was established in 2002 as a result of the need for a common platform for the telecommunications and ICT regulators in the West African region to exchange information, share best practices, and coordinate their actions.
WATRA operates under the legal framework of the ECOWAS Treaty, the Supplementary Act on Telecommunications and ICT, the Protocol on the Establishment of WATRA, and the Constitution and Rules of Procedure of WATRA.
WATRA MEMBERS
