Orange Centrafrique says it has become the first mobile operator in the Central African Republic (CAR) to sign a 4G license with the Ministry of Digital Economy, Posts and Telecommunications, paving the way for 4G to finally be launched in the country.
In a statement on Thursday, Orange described the move as a “decisive step” to deploy 4G, which would greatly improve quality of service and access to digital technology for the entire population.
Orange also said the project is part of the CAR's digital transformation strategy, aimed at reducing the digital divide, improving access to telecoms services for all and boosting the country's economic, educational and social sectors. The telco also said rolling out 4G will attract foreign investment and facilitate the emergence of the local digital ecosystem.
"Access to 4G represents a significant step forward for the people of Central African Republic and responds to a growing demand for connectivity,” said Orange Centrafrique GM Max Francisco. “We are committed to providing a quality, reliable and accessible network for all users, in all regions of the country.”
According to the latest available data from Statista, the CAR had 1.86 million mobile subscribers at the end of 2021, all of them 3G users, which works out to a penetration rate of 32%. Datareportal cites figures from Kepios saying internet penetration stood at 10.6% with 616,000 internet users.
