ARPCE Demands Flawless Network Performance Ahead of March Elections

As the Republic of Congo approaches its parliamentary and local elections on March 12 and 15, 2026, the Agency for Regulation of Posts and Electronic Communications (ARPCE)  has called on e-communications operators to ensure flawless network performance and optimal quality of service (QoS) across the country. The Authority expressed concern over persistent network malfunctions and stressed that the election period requires a heightened level of service availability, continuity, and reliability, given the critical role of electronic communications in institutional stability, information circulation, and coordination among public stakeholders.

To address these challenges, the Director of Networks and Electronic Communications Services, Mr. Benjamin MOUANDZA, instructed operators to immediately implement a series of priority technical measures. These include reinforcing national backbones and international links to prevent major traffic disruptions, strengthening interconnections between operators to avoid congestion in urban and peri-urban areas, and optimizing radio coverage along main roads and high-mobility zones. Operators are also required to prioritize high-traffic areas and strategic corridors, activate national roaming in regions with limited coverage, maintain broadband services—including 3G, 4G, 5G, and FTTx—across all areas, and anticipate the communication needs of authorities, observers, and sensitive-status users during the election period.

In addition to technical requirements, ARPCE will conduct surprise field checks and nationwide monitoring campaigns to assess network performance in real-time, ensure compliance with directives, and respond quickly to any incidents or breaches. The Authority reminded operators that failure to comply with regulatory obligations could result in penalties under existing regulations.

ARPCE emphasized that the election period demands increased vigilance, professionalism, and cooperation among all stakeholders in the sector. Beyond strict regulatory compliance, operators have a responsibility to safeguard the public interest, maintain the stability of the information environment, and strengthen public confidence in electronic communications services. Operators are required to submit detailed action plans along with timetables for implementing the measures.

Through these proactive steps, ARPCE aims to guarantee stable, continuous, and secure networks during the elections, providing citizens with a reliable information environment that meets the high expectations of this critical period.