Senegal’s Regulation Authority for Telecommunications and Posts (ARTP) has provisionally awarded Sonatel (Orange Senegal) a 5G license following a call for tenders to expand existing operating concessions. The ARTP revealed that Sonatel bid XOF 34.5 billion (USD 59.1 million) for the license, while competitors Free and Expresso submitted significantly lower bids of XAF 3 billion and XAF 2 billion, respectively, well below the ARTP’s reserve price of XAF 19.5 billion.
ARTP Director General Abdou Karim Sall stated that the primary goal of the call for tenders was to select an operator capable of promptly providing reliable and efficient 5G infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for connectivity and communication in Senegal. After evaluating the offers, the committee recommended Sonatel, the only candidate meeting the set regulations, to the Selection Committee.
In the coming days, an amendment will be made to Sonatel’s concession agreement and specifications, including new 5G coverage obligations, in preparation for the implementation of the 5G network in Senegal.
