Rapid development of the sector

Since 1997, the longstanding operator, Gabon Télécom, has developed several advantages via the investments it has made.

Since 1999, three mobile telephony operators have undergone rapid levels of development: Libertis (subsidiary of Gabon Télécom), Telecel Gabon (subsidiary of Atlantique Télécom) and Celtel Gabon (subsidiary of MSI Cellular).

In 2001, demerger of OPT (National Post Office and Telecommunications Service) to form Gabon Poste and Gabon Télécom, and creation of ARTEL (Telecommunications Regulatory Body).

Since May 2002, Libreville has been connected to the SAT3 submarine cable (optical fibres), linking Africa to Europe. Gabon is becoming a high-speed telecoms hub for Central Africa.

Gabon Télécom is currently working on three local loops in the capital, which in particular will enable enhancements to be made to the very high-speed Internet services. The SAT3 cable has considerably increased Gabon Télécom's range of services in terms of transmission capabilities. 60% of international communications currently transit over the SAT3 cable.

Several IT service companies (including the 15 service companies already present in Gabon) see this high-speed interconnection to the world network as a major advantage for developing the entire region, both for business users and private individuals.

The privatisation of Gabon Télécom is expected to take place over the next few months and will offer new growth prospects for the sector.
The aim is to open up an initial 35% share of Gabon Télécom's capital, the management of which will be entrusted to the private sector.

Following the call for applications launched in July 2003, five groups emerged:

• Telenor (Norway),
• Dtcon (Germany),
• Maroc Telecom (Morocco) (Vivendi Universal 35%),
• ZTE (China),
• Sonatel (Senegal) (subsidiary of France Télécom).