|
 |
|
|
Rapidly changing sector
Since 1997, the traditional operator Gabon Télécom has developed a number of advantages thanks to the investments implemented.
Since 1999, the development of three mobile telephone operators has been swift: Libertis (a subsidiary of Gabon Télécom), Telecel Gabon (a subsidiary of Atlantique Télécom) and Celtel Gabon (a subsidiary of MSI Cellular).
In 2001, OPT (Office des Postes et Telecommunications) split into Gabon Poste and Gabon Télécom and ARTEL (Agence de Régulation des Telecommunications) was set up.
Since May 2002, Libreville has been connected to the SAT3 undersea cable (fibre optics), linking Africa and Europe. Gabon is becoming a broadband telecoms Hub for Central Africa.
The development of broadband Internet is one of the demands of the “Emerging Gabon” project carried by president Ali Bongo Ondimba, which will contribute to the global economic development of the country. At the end of the 14th African Union (AU) summit on the subject of “Information and Communication Technologies in Africa” which was held from 31 January to 2 February 2010, the Minister for Communication, Postal services and the Digital Economy, Laure Olga Gondjout, therefore reaffirmed her determination to introduce the people of Gabon to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Also, the Minister specified that her department will procure the requisite means to deploy information and communication technologies nation-wide.
Among the major ICT projects for 2010 is the deployment of fibre optics from Libreville to Mayumba with a loop on Port-Gentil. The Minister reminded us that “the President of the Republic, within the framework of “Tertiary Gabon”, places capital importance on the creation of the Mandji Island free trade zone of Port-Gentil”. The government intends to maximise the potential of this free trade zone by anticipation. In the second instance, the minister revealed that the second loop would provide a better connection for the oil companies in the Gamba region, another centre for economic development situated in the south of Nyanga province. For the moment, this is a prospective approach.
The number of people who connect to the Internet is increasing from one year to the next. At the end of 2007, there were 77,760 Internet subscribers. While the average for Africa is 4.72 Internet subscribers for 100 inhabitants, Gabon has 5.76 Internet subscribers per 100 inhabitants, which places it 18% above the average for Africa.
NICT are without a doubt leverage for economic development that promises a dynamic future for Gabon.
|
|
