Telecom sector: ARCEP talks with the Consumers’ Association about the increase in internet plans.

This crucial working session follows the recent removal of so-called “unlimited” internet plans priced at 5,000 and 10,000 CFA francs by mobile network operators.

Restoration of dialogue after the price revision

The hearing granted by the regulatory body aims to examine the claims of consumer advocacy in a context of significant pricing tension.

Overnight, subscribers have faced a noticeable increase in connection costs, with the minimum price of a comparable monthly plan now raised to 15,100 CFA francs. This situation has sparked intense outrage on social media, where users are denouncing a severe blow to their purchasing power.

In response to the rise in protests, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Postal Services (ARCEP) reacted by recalling the regulatory framework governing the commercial offerings of mobile operators.

The institution clarified that the applied rates comply with current decisions setting the price floors and ceilings. However, to ease tensions and hear the complaints of subscribers, ARCEP has chosen to open the path to dialogue by convening a working session this Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with representatives from the Consumers’ Association.

Clarification from the government spokesperson

For his part, the government spokesperson, Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, also intervened to provide clarifications on the state’s position. He reminded that the executive does not directly set the rates for the commercial plans of private operators while emphasizing that the government’s role is to ensure a balance between the development of digital infrastructure, the viability of the sector, and the preservation of citizens’ purchasing power.