(Ecofin Agency) - The Senegalese government is pushing for more affordable telecom services to ensure broader access to telecommunications for its citizens. In line with this effort, a reduction in telecom tariffs was announced in June, and the government continues to press operators to align their services with the purchasing power of the population.

During the opening ceremony of the consultation days on electronic communications regulation held in Dakar on August 8-9, Alioune Sall, Senegal's Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Economy, called on telecom operators to further reduce service costs. He urged the Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (ARTP) to establish a pricing framework that balances sector sustainability with high-quality and accessible electronic communications.

Minister Sall emphasized the critical importance of affordable internet access, now a household necessity, as part of this push. His appeal comes amid growing consumer complaints about the high cost of telecom services in Senegal. During the event, Massokhna Kane, president of SOS Consumers, a consumer rights advocacy group, echoed the need for a continuous review of tariffs to ensure they reflect the economic realities of the population. The creation of the Front against High Connection Costs (F4C) on May 10 underscores the increasing demand for affordable internet access.

This push for lower telecom costs aligns with the government’s broader objective to expand the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and position Senegal as a leader in digital transformation in Africa by 2029. The government's earlier announcement in June regarding a reduction in the cost of calls and internet services is a step in this direction.

Affordable telecom tariffs are expected to drive higher adoption and usage of telecom services across the country. According to ARTP data, as of March 31, Senegal had 22.9 million mobile subscribers and 20.7 million internet subscribers. While penetration rates for these services exceed 100%, the actual figures are likely lower due to the widespread use of multiple SIM cards by consumers.