Republic of Congo Telecom Networks Hit by Electricity and Diesel Shortages
Checks conducted by ARPCE showed that telecommunications operators were receiving an average of nine hours of electricity daily, while backup batteries provided approximately six hours of power autonomy.
The Regulatory Authority for Posts and Electronic Communications (ARPCE) has reported widespread disruptions to electronic communications networks across the Republic of Congo, attributing the outages to persistent electricity supply constraints and difficulties obtaining diesel for backup generators.
In a public notice, the regulator said mobile network operators had been experiencing interruptions affecting all or parts of the country for several days. It explained that unreliable electricity supply, combined with limited diesel availability, had weakened the backup systems operators rely on to maintain services during power outages.
Checks conducted by ARPCE showed that telecommunications operators were receiving an average of nine hours of electricity daily, while backup batteries provided approximately six hours of power autonomy. The regulator noted that generators, which have been heavily relied upon during the period, could not adequately compensate for the electricity deficit because of fuel supply difficulties.
The impact extends to telecommunications infrastructure, including relay antennas, technical centres, transmission equipment, network cores and data centres. ARPCE said the disruptions at major facilities were also affecting rural infrastructure that depends on central facilities in larger cities.
The regulator cited Helios Towers as an example of the scale of fuel requirements, estimating that the company needs approximately 100,000 litres of diesel weekly, or 400,000 litres monthly, to power generators serving the 550 relay sites it manages nationwide.
ARPCE identified two major consequences of the energy crisis: partial or total unavailability of voice, internet and mobile money services, and a deterioration in service quality. Users have experienced difficulties accessing networks, interrupted calls and slower internet connection speeds.
It warned that the disruptions would persist until the energy supply situation improves.
The ministry responsible for telecommunications has brought the matter to the attention of the Prime Minister, while ARPCE said it was working with authorities at the Société Nationale des Pétroles du Congo (SNPC) to optimise fuel supplies and maintain essential services.
The regulator added that it remained in contact with relevant authorities and was monitoring developments as the government implements measures to restore normal operations.
