Congo's telecoms regulator, the Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Électroniques (ARPCE), has issued a warning to mobile operators after noticing significant safety violations and non-compliance with industry standards when installing towers.

ARPCE recently presented to representatives of mobile network operators MTN Congo and Airtel Congo, infrastructure company Helios Towers Congo, and service providers Quality Equipment Transmission and Digilogie, the findings of a year -long extensive inspection of telecoms masts across Congo.

The technical audit shows eight major recurring faults, notably the absence of anti-fall systems and faulty or missing anti-sinking mats.

Also, several structural problems were noted, including non-compliant anchor rods and obstructed water drainage systems likely to accelerate the deterioration of the installations.

In addition, the inspectors recorded aerial signalling shortcomings, with poor daytime beacons and no night time beacons at some sites – which can compromise air navigation safety.

Moreover, the regulator observed that some towers had no or inadequate lightning protection, with non-compliant grounding rods.

According to Benjamin Mouandza, head of electronic communications networks and services at ARPCE, the technical audit discovered severe flaws that are not restricted to structural factors.

"They have a direct impact on both user safety and service reliability. Non-compliant installations raise the danger of accidents, damage network coverage, and expose customers to service outages, undermining communication continuity, which is critical for economic activity and public safety," he stated.

The regulator has given operators one year to bring their facilities into compliance.

ARPCE also intends to implement a certificate of compliance, which will allow for greater infrastructure monitoring and ensure that safety criteria are met.