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
JT joins GSMA Open Gateway to combat global telecom fraud
JT has announced its new role as a GSMA Open Gateway Channel Partner. This partnership enables JT to leverage its extensive experience in fraud and identity solutions within the telecommunications industry to support the GSMA’s efforts in combating global fraud and cybercrime.
Nigerian Government Raises Alarm Over Surge in Ransomware Attacks
The Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) has raised alarm over the increase in ransomware attacks on institutions in Nigeria. ngCERT, in a recent statement, said Phobos ransomware attackers quickly gain entry into weak networks.
Airtel denies reports of data breach of over 375 million customers
Airtel has denied any kind of data breach, after a dark web seller xenZen allegedly claimed that he has hacked Airtel’s customer database of 375 million with customers details including phone, email, address, parents name, gov ID (Aadhaar, etc.) till June 2024.
A turbulent half-year for local telecoms sector
Almost all the sub-sectors of Nigeria’s telecoms industry, including the 219 million active subscriber base, had one harrowing experience.
Bouygues Telecom Entreprises becomes official reseller of Starlink service
French operator Bouygues Telcom has announced that B2B arm Bouygues Telecom Entreprises has expanded its broadband connectivity portfolio by becoming an official reseller of the Starlink satellite service.
Nigeria, others to benefit from ITU’s €15 million broadband mapping initiative
The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has selected Nigeria and 10 other countries as beneficiaries of a €15 million broadband mapping initiative aimed at accelerating digital transformation in Africa.
Ivory Coast: Use of ICT in transport, ARTCI and ARTI are committed to cleaning up the sector and making it conducive to the development of the digital economy
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARTCI) and the Regulatory Authority for Internal Transport (ARTI) in Côte d’Ivoire have signed an agreement to improve the transport sector using ICT.
Starlink ready for T-Mobile US launch with 100 direct-to-cell satellites
Starlink has more than 100 satellites in orbit with direct-to-cell capabilities following its latest successful launch this week, putting it on track to launch services in the coming months.
ATCON: Weak Investment in Telecoms Sector, High Cost of Smartphones Impeding 4G, 5G Penetration
President of the Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Mr. Tony Emoekpere has attributed the slow penetration rate of the fourth generation (4G) and fifth generation (5G) technologies, to weak investment and exorbitant cost of acquiring smartphones, especially the 4G and 5G enabled smartphones.
South African regulator defends spectrum approval amid Vodacom's legal suit
Mothibi Ramusi, the Chairman of the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA), has called to question Vodacom’s recent legal suit after the telco accused the communications regulator of unlawfully approving spectrum pooling agreements between MTN, Cell C, and Liquid Intelligent Technologies.
ARTCI sounds the alarm on false telecom approval certificates in Ivory Coast
The Telecommunications/ICT Regulatory Authority of Côte d’Ivoire (ARTCI) has issued an alert regarding the existence of fake telecom equipment approval certificates.
Telcos insist on tariff adjustment, begs NCC for understanding
Two months after writing to the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, demanding for tariff adjustment, telecommunication operators, telcos, have insisted that the best way to sustain growth in the telecom sector in this economic headwind is to adjust tariff to reflect operation cost.
GSM in Benin: add “01” to all telephone numbers from November 30
In Benin, the plan to switch telephone numbering has been unveiled. The transition from eight to ten digits of GSM network numbers is planned for November 30, 2024.
WATRA Updates: Governments & Regulatory Authorities
Regulatory Policy Developments
March 25, 2024
Regulatory Policy Developments
October 17, 2023
Fintech, Digital Economy & Industry Developments
September 25, 2023
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
