Kinshasa, March 30th, 2026 (CPA).– The 23rd seminar of the Francophone Network of Telecommunications Regulators (Fratel) and experts in the electronic communications sector is scheduled for April 27th – 28th, 2026 in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to a statement consulted Monday by CPA. “The Regulatory Authority for Posts and Telecommunications of the Congo (ARPTC) and the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications, Posts and Press Distribution (Arcep France), which is serving as interim chair of the Fratel network in 2026, are organizing this seminar to demonstrate ARPTC’s active role within the Fratel network and its commitment to modern regulation conducive to investment, competition and the continuous improvement of the quality of electronic communications services,” the statement from the Fratel network read. According to the source, the event will be held under the theme: “How to stimulate deployment and competition through infrastructure sharing and improve the quality of service of new telecom networks?” It is worth noting that the meeting will bring together regulatory authorities that are members of the Fratel network as well as experts in the electronic communications sector, in a context marked by the acceleration of the deployment of high-speed fixed and mobile networks, the issue of infrastructure sharing, effective competition and service quality, which constitute a key lever to strengthen connectivity, optimize investments and guarantee efficient services to users.
Three round tables are scheduled during the seminar, including one on: “What are the impacts of mobile infrastructure sharing models on competition?” Discussions will focus on the different forms of mobile infrastructure sharing, their effects on deployment costs, territorial coverage, as well as potential competition risks and corrective measures implemented by regulators. The second round table will focus on: “How to facilitate the deployment of fiber optic networks in a dynamic that promotes competition and innovation,” while the third will address: “What measures are needed to ensure the operational quality of new telecom networks?” Fratel is a cooperation platform bringing together telecommunications regulatory authorities from French-speaking countries, aimed at sharing experiences, strengthening capacities and harmonizing regulatory practices. The network organizes seminars, workshops and technical exchanges on digital issues. It therefore constitutes a strategic tool for support and influence for its members, the statement noted.