Congo’s telecom regulator, the Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Électroniques (ARPCE), has issued a stern warning to mobile operators following a thorough inspection that revealed serious safety violations and a lack of adherence to industry standards in the installation of telecom towers.
Recently, ARPCE presented findings from a year-long audit to representatives from major mobile network operators, including MTN Congo and Airtel Congo, as well as infrastructure company Helios Towers Congo and service providers Quality Equipment Transmission and Digilogie.
The audit uncovered eight critical recurring issues, chief among them being the absence of anti-fall systems and defective or missing anti-sinking mats. Structural deficiencies were also highlighted, such as non-compliant anchor rods and blocked drainage systems that could accelerate the deterioration of the towers.
Furthermore, the inspectors noted issues related to aerial signalling, including substandard daytime beacons and the absence of nighttime beacons at various sites. These deficiencies pose significant risks to air navigation safety.
The regulator also found that some towers lacked adequate lightning protection and featured non-compliant grounding rods. Benjamin Mouandza, head of electronic communications networks and services at ARPCE, emphasised that these technical flaws extend beyond just structural problems.
“They significantly affect both user safety and the reliability of services. He explained that non-compliant installations increase the risk of accidents, impair network coverage, and expose customers to potential service disruptions, jeopardising communication continuity—a critical aspect for economic activity and public safety,” he explained.
ARPCE has given operators one year to ensure their facilities comply with regulations. The regulator also plans to introduce a compliance certification system to enhance infrastructure oversight and guarantee adherence to safety standards.
