Gabon’s Telecom Policy and Regulation for Next Generation Networks

Gabon’s telecom policy and regulation framework aims to transform the country into a digital economy leader in Central Africa by leveraging next-generation networks and broadband services. The strategy is comprehensive, covering legal reforms, infrastructure development, and the establishment of a conducive environment for digital innovation. However, successful implementation will require overcoming significant challenges, particularly in enforcing new regulations and attracting sustained investment.

Key Components of the Telecom Policy and Regulation in Gabon

1. Socio-Economic and Telecom Indicators (2011):
   • Gabon had a relatively low penetration rate for fixed telephony (1%) and Internet services (fixed Internet at 1% and mobile Internet at 16%). However, mobile cellular penetration was quite high at 97%.
   • There was a significant focus on increasing broadband access, particularly in urban and rural areas, to boost digital inclusion and economic development.
2. Institutional Framework:
   • The Ministry of Digital Economy, Communication & Post is the primary policymaker in Gabon, overseeing the development and regulation of the ICT sector.
   • Several agencies, including the National Agency for Digital Infrastructures and Frequencies (ANINF) and the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ARTEL), are responsible for implementing policies and managing infrastructure projects.
3. Legal and Regulatory Framework:
   • The telecom sector in Gabon underwent significant restructuring starting in 1999, with the opening of the market to competition and the creation of key laws to regulate the sector.
   • Laws from 2001 reorganized the posts and telecommunications sectors, leading to the creation of regulatory agencies like Gabon Telecom and Gabon Poste.
   • Key decrees and orders from 2010-2012 focused on modernizing the telecom sector, including establishing universal service obligations, promoting digital economy development, and managing the transition from analog to digital TV.
4. Licensing Framework:
   • Gabon has three main operating regimes for telecommunications: Public Service Delegation for basic services, licenses for mobile and restricted area operators, and authorizations for value-added service providers.
   • The licensing framework is designed to encourage competition and attract investment in the telecom sector.
5. Gabon Digital Plan:
   • The “Digital Gabon” plan is part of the broader “Emerging Gabon” strategy aimed at turning Gabon into an emerging economy by 2025.
   • The plan includes significant investments in broadband infrastructure, such as connecting to the ACE submarine cable, building a national fiber-optic backbone, and deploying WiMax networks across provincial capitals.
   • Projects under this plan also include developing telemedicine, e-government, and digital education services, as well as setting up IT parks and a Cybercity on Mandji Island to foster a digital economy.
6. National Strategy for NGN and Broadband Services:
   • Gabon’s strategy focuses on developing cloud services (SaaS, PaaS, IaaS), with the government cloud serving as the backbone for e-government and m-government services.
   • The development of IT parks and the Cybercity on Mandji Island is central to promoting Gabon as a regional hub for ICT services and attracting international companies.
7. Challenges:
   • Implementing policies and regulations for NGN is one of the primary challenges. The goal is to create a secure and competitive environment that attracts international investors and fosters public-private partnerships.
   • Specific challenges include enforcing laws related to personal data protection, electronic transactions, cybercrime, and cryptology.