Cross-border agreement signed by Cameroonian and Gabonese regulators seeks to enhance mobile communication services along shared boundary
On Monday, August 4, 2025, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services of Gabon (ARCEP) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency of Cameroon (ART) signed a strategic agreement in Bitam, Gabon. This agreement aims to coordinate radio frequencies in the sensitive border area between the two countries, reducing interference between mobile networks.
The agreement was signed by Celestin Kadjidja, Chairman of the Regulatory Council of ARCEP Gabon, and Prof. Philemon Zoo Zame, Director General of ART Cameroon. The joint initiative between ARCEP and ART is expected to significantly improve the quality of electronic communications for residents and travelers in Bitam, Gabon, and the South Cameroon region.
The agreement does not provide a timeline for its implementation. However, it establishes coordinated management and sharing of frequencies in the border zones to address signal overlap issues and minimize interference. The collaboration involves technical measures such as adjusting power emission limits and harmonizing frequency bands used by mobile operators on both sides.
The implications for mobile network coverage, call stability, and internet access are promising. Cross-border frequency coordination reduces interruptions caused by overlapping signals, allowing operators in Bitam and South Cameroon to offer more stable and extended coverage closer to the border areas. This enhancement leads to greater call stability and reduced dropped calls for users traveling or living near the Gabon-Cameroon border.
More efficient spectrum use and reduced signal disruption are also expected to improve mobile broadband performance, providing consumers with lower latency and better internet speeds on their mobile devices, particularly in the affected border regions. Users of mobile networks in both Gabon and Cameroon will benefit from a more reliable communication experience, with optimized speeds and fewer dead zones.
This bilateral frequency management is a critical step towards fostering better connectivity for consumers in these border areas, encouraging economic and social integration through more reliable telecommunications. The partnership reflects the commitment of both Gabon and Cameroon to make cross-border connectivity a driver of development and well-being for their populations.
It is important to note that the agreement does not mention any specific mobile network operators involved. The signing ceremony was attended by local administrative authorities, including the Governor of Woleu-Ntem, Jules Djéki. The Cameroonian delegation arrived in Bitam, Gabon on Sunday, August 3, 2025, and the Gabonese authorities welcomed them at the Meyo-Kyè border.
This agreement aligns with ongoing efforts by ARCEP Gabon to enhance telecom services nationwide, including investments in fiber optic infrastructure and expansion of telecom operators’ service offerings. The improved mobile network coverage, call stability, and internet access for residents and travelers in Bitam and South Cameroon are expected to contribute positively to the overall development of the region.
The agreement between ARCEP and ART involves the coordination and sharing of frequencies in border zones, aiming to enhance mobile network coverage and reduce interference. This collaboration is expected to improve the quality of electronic communications for users of mobile networks in both Gabon and Cameroon, particularly those living near the border.
The joint initiative between the regulatory bodies is expected to lead to greater call stability, reduced dropped calls, improved mobile broadband performance, and fewer dead zones for users in Bitam, Gabon, and South Cameroon, ultimately fostering better connectivity and economic development in the region.
