Cameroon's incumbent telecommunications operator, Cameroon Telecommunications (Camtel), is joining forces with the government to block the way to Covid-19. Government measures include the closure of many public spaces, including bars and restaurants, from 6 p.m. onwards.

During this period, many Cameroonians are requesting data to stay connected. Many calls have been made to telcos and ISPs to lower data rates and launch new packages. The operator says he has been listening to these calls.

On March 23, 2020, Camtel announces to its subscribers the launch of the FAMILY SURF package. It is a package that offers 150 GB in download volume valid for 30 days at the amount of 10 000 F.Cfa. A campaign which goes from March 23 to April 30, 2020. To access this package, Camtel subscribers must connect to the platform www.myxtremnet.cm.

Camtel's package comes after MTN and Orange announcing certain reductions on their electronic communications services.

Among the Orange measures, the introduction of free fees on account-to-account transfers without limit of amount via Orange Money to limit cash handling. The operator also recommends that its customers make all their payments with Orange Money.  Orange is also applying "a 30% price cut on its residential Internet packages" to keep up with the latest news and keep in touch with the world. A 50% reduction on Internet connection equipment USB keys to stay connected is also applied.

At MTN Cameroon, only the suspension of the payment of money transfer fees between MTN Mobile Money accounts for amounts up to 20,000 FCFA (twenty thousand francs) is applied since 20 March 2020. The measure is limited to three transactions per day and per account and is valid for a renewable period of 30 days.

Source: digitalbusiness.africa