By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
Cameroon Telecommunications
(CAMTEL) has signed a framework partnership agreement with the Cameroon Real
Estate Company (SIC) to expand fibre-optic connectivity in existing housing
estates and integrate digital infrastructure into future real estate developments.
The agreement aims to bring
very high-speed broadband closer to homes and establish connectivity as a key
component of housing projects in Cameroon.
According to CAMTEL, the
partnership provides for the gradual deployment of fibre optics across SIC’s
existing real estate portfolio, based on a timetable and priorities agreed by
both parties.
It also provides for
fibre-optic infrastructure to be integrated into future real estate programmes
from the design stage, with CAMTEL supporting SIC in the design, deployment,
commissioning and operation of the infrastructure.
Residents of connected
housing estates will be able to access CAMTEL services, including very
high-speed internet, IP telephony, television and other value-added services.
The partnership is expected
to help residents use digital services for teleworking, online studies,
administrative procedures and other everyday activities.
Under the agreement,
occupants of SIC housing estates will benefit from preferential pricing, with
an access fee of 25,000 CFA francs, including tax, and a monthly fee of 15,000
CFA francs, including tax.
For future housing
developments, the partners aim to ensure buildings are pre-wired and ready for
connectivity from the design stage.
CAMTEL’s Director General
said the agreement would translate the company’s commitment to digital
inclusion into practical benefits for households.
“Our partnership gives this
call a concrete translation, at the level of housing and as close as possible
to families. Because digital inclusion is also built at the threshold of each
household,” the Director General said.
Through the collaboration,
CAMTEL said it would continue working to make connectivity more accessible,
bring digital services closer to people and integrate infrastructure into
residential spaces.
