Some 114 operators and providers of telecommunications value-added services in Cameroon have been called upon by the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) to comply with regulatory filings.

Notable among the list signed recently by ART General Manager Philemon Zoo Zame are: Campost, CFAO Technologies SA, Arintech Cameroun, Express Union Finance SA, Acmar Media Group, Bell Telecom, Express Exchange, Liquid Telecom, Kakotel Cameroon SA, and Ste. Huawei Technologies Company Cameroon Ltd.

All companies have been given until 24 September 2021 to submit their annual activity report for 2020 and previous outstanding reports, failing which they would be subject to sanctions.

According to a 2010 law governing electronics communications in Cameroon, modified in 2015, operators and services providers could face up to FCFA 200-million in fines for failing to provide the regulator and administration with information relating to their activities.

A Douala-based chief exec of one of the companies, who spoke on condition of anonymity, warned the list may be inaccurate as some of the filings could have been done at ART regional bureaus but didn’t reflect at HQ.

The official also suggested that the global slowdown caused by COVID-19, could also account for the delay in filing. “Most companies listed have witnessed a massive drop in activities and revenue over the last few years. A good number are currently on a quest to pivot or close their doors for good.”