(Ecofin Agency) - Camtel, Cameroon’s national telecom company, is taking steps to improve its services. Yesterday, the company’s CEO, Judith Yah Sunday, concluded a training session for 75 new recruits in the fields of information technology and satellite solutions.

According to Yah Sunday, this initiative is in response to the growing issue of network quality deterioration, caused by insufficient preventive maintenance and an aging workforce. "I expect the 'Silicon Valley' team, as we’ve named them, to make a significant contribution toward improving the quality of Camtel’s network services and transforming Cameroon’s digital economy," she said.

Meanwhile, private telecom operators like Orange and MTN have pointed to the poor condition of Cameroon’s national fiber optic network, which is managed exclusively by Camtel, as the main reason for the country's subpar service quality. This view is echoed by the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ART), which conducted an operational audit in 2024 under government orders. The government has been putting pressure on operators to address the situation. In May 2023, the telecom regulator fined Camtel CFA800 million (about $1.2 million) for failing to meet its obligations regarding coverage and service quality.

This move by Camtel is expected to benefit not only its subscribers but also the broader telecommunications market in Cameroon. The new recruits’ training in satellite solutions suggests that the company is increasingly relying on satellite technology to strengthen its network resilience. Alongside fiber optics, satellite technology could not only improve service quality but also ensure continuous communication in the event of problems with the land-based infrastructure. It also offers a viable solution for connecting remote areas that are often underserved by traditional networks.