The two main cellphone operators have made telephone communication possible throughout the whole country.

Since the DRC’s telecommunications sector was liberalized, growth has been phenomenal, going from fewer than 200,000 subscribers in 2001 to around 2.5 million today. Cellphone companies have created two networks that cover the whole country, even where there is no electricity.

In 2003 the government set up a regulatory body, ARPTC, to implement the new statutory and regulatory laws. “We aim to ensure the effectiveness of competition, provide guarantees for investors and ensure universal access,” says Louis Kaziba Muloko, President of ARPTC.

The two main private operators are Celtel and Vodacom. A third company, SAIT, operates on a smaller scale and there are also a few companies working in specific areas.

Both Celtel and Vodacom have committed to investing in the country in infrastructure, equipment and human resources. Working in a vast area with no fixed lines in place, the companies have brought telephone communication to the Congolese for the first time, helping to improve standards of living and increasing stability. They provide employment, both directly and indirectly, and are involved in training people to become the next generation of employees. Furthermore, their tax contributions are a significant source of income for the government. In addition, the firms juxtapose their business objectives with a sense of social responsibility, helping to fund charitable endeavors.

With high levels of poverty, they have made telephone services accessible by setting up low-rate prepaid services – at present around 98% of customers are prepaid. Prospects for growth are high, given the country’s increased stability and continued economic development.

One of ARPTC’s priorities is to provide up-to-date statistics. “We are working with the Central Bank to set up a modern information system,” says Mr. Muloko.