Chad’s government has unveiled plans to bolster the country’s telecom infrastructure with the launch of 50 new telecom sites in the capital, N’Djamena, alongside a 50-kilometer fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network.
The initiative, announced on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, through the state-owned Société des télécommunications du Tchad (SOTEL), aims to expand coverage, improve service quality, and support the growing demand for digital connectivity.
Boukar Michel, Minister of Telecommunications, Digital Economy and Digital Transformation of Public Administration, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by ministry staff and representatives of affiliated agencies. He did not disclose the full timeline, financing arrangements, or the specific locations for the new sites. Nevertheless, the move underscores the government’s focus on addressing chronic service challenges in the country’s telecommunications sector.
“The deployment of these 50 sites, coupled with a 50-kilometer fiber extension, will densify the network in N’Djamena, the city with the largest population and highest telecom traffic in Chad,” Michel said. The fiber rollout is expected to enable households and businesses to gradually connect to high-speed broadband services, improving access to internet-based services and digital applications.
Expanding the National and Regional Network
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The N’Djamena expansion is part of a broader effort to strengthen Chad’s digital infrastructure. The government is rehabilitating a fiber optic link between N’Djamena and Mberé to diversify international connectivity routes via Cameroon. Additionally, authorities are implementing a regional interconnection strategy to link Chad with neighboring countries including Niger, Nigeria, Algeria, Libya, and Egypt.
A cornerstone of this strategy is the Trans-Saharan Fiber Optic Backbone (DTS), a project currently 60 percent complete. The DTS aims to provide high-capacity, reliable connectivity across North and West Africa. Complementing the backbone, a national data center is under construction to enhance local data storage and processing capabilities, further supporting government and private sector digital services.
Private Sector Investments
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Operators are also investing in network improvements. Airtel Africa announced a 50 billion CFA franc ($90.45 million) investment plan running through June 2026. The program includes reinforcing microwave links, deploying additional towers, extending fiber networks, and upgrading the core network to meet rising consumer demand.
Addressing Service Quality Concerns
The announcements follow sustained criticism over poor telecom service in Chad. Consumers continue to report frequent dropped calls, slow internet speeds, and intermittent outages. In December 2025, the Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) again reprimanded operators for failing to maintain consistent service quality.
ARCEP’s 15th service quality audit, conducted between September and October 2025, noted improvements in signal stability in several urban centers, reflecting recent network investments. However, the regulator highlighted persistent issues including faulty equipment, inadequate maintenance, unstable power supply, and entirely offline sites in certain regions.
Industry experts argue that while infrastructure investments are vital, operational efficiency and maintenance remain key to sustaining improvements. “Expanding coverage alone will not resolve service problems unless operators maintain networks, address equipment failures, and ensure reliable power supply,” said a telecommunications analyst in N’Djamena.
Looking Ahead
The government and private operators aim to make Chad’s digital economy more inclusive and competitive. With increasing demand for mobile and broadband connectivity, particularly for business operations, education, and e-commerce, the planned expansion is expected to significantly enhance accessibility and user experience.
By integrating new sites, fiber networks, and regional interconnections, Chad hopes to strengthen its digital backbone, attract foreign investment, and position the country as a regional hub for telecom services. Officials emphasized that sustained collaboration between government, operators, and regulators will be essential to achieve the vision of a modern, reliable, and connected Chad.
