Despite the advent of fiber optics in the country, Internet access in the Central African Republic is a privilege for a limited number of people, mainly due to the high cost of mobile data and the non-operation of fiber optic services. According to a report published by the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the cost of mobile data in 2020 was US$21.2 per month, or nearly 12% of the average monthly income. The high costs are a major obstacle for a large majority of the population who are unable to access the benefits the Internet offers, such as work, education and communication.

In addition to the high cost of data, Internet coverage is also low. According to a 2019 survey by the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority, only 4% of the population used the Internet in 2017. This is partly due to a poorly developed network infrastructure, which makes it difficult to connect to the Internet.

It is also worth noting that since February 2023, the government of the Central African Republic has been levying a 7% tax on communication charges, including mobile data. This follows a decision taken in the 2023 finance law. This tax was perceived as a special tax on telecommunications, but it has a direct impact on the price of services offered by telecommunications operators. It therefore has a negative impact on Internet access for the poorest populations, who are often those who pay the highest price. The minimum wage in CAR has risen from 18,850 CFA francs (US$28) to 29,000 CFA francs (US$44) per month.

Internet service providers such as Orange, Telecel, and Moov charge high rates for a basic Internet connection. In many parts of the country, mobile networks are non-existent or very limited. In areas where they are present, they can be slow and unreliable, limiting access to the population.

This means that Central Africans are often unable to connect to the services they need due to prohibitive costs. Clearly, one out of every two Central Africans will not be able to get online regularly enough. However, these obstacles are compounded by the 7% tax on communication fees, which has a significant impact on the price of telecommunications services and, indirectly, on data costs. This situation is all the more worrying because the relevant authorities lack clear regulations on digital and human rights on the Internet.

There is therefore an urgent need for Central African Republic leaders to work with telecommunications operators to lower mobile data costs and improve network infrastructure. This would greatly expand Internet access and benefits. It is also important that the relevant authorities establish clear regulations to protect digital and human rights on the Internet, while guaranteeing freedom of expression and of the press.

Ultimately, Internet access in the Central African Republic must be considered a fundamental right for all citizens. The relevant authorities must work to ensure the protection of digital and human rights on the Internet, while ensuring that access is easy and affordable for all. Only when these steps are taken will people be able to fully enjoy the benefits of the Internet.

Auxence Nasset.