News
8 months ago
Guinea: Cellcom considers renewing its telecoms licenses
The mobile phone company Cellcom Guinea is considering renewing its 2G, 3G and 4G licenses. This topic was discussed last week during an audience granted by Rose Pola Pricemou, Minister of Posts, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, to a delegation from the company. No details on the renewal schedule or the cost of the licenses were specified in the note published by the ministry on Friday, October 18.
Cellcom’s willingness to renew its licenses demonstrates its intention to remain active in the Guinean telecoms market, despite its difficulties in maintaining its position there. Indeed, the mobile operator’s market share has fallen from 21% in 2014 to only 4.6% (out of 14 million subscribers) in the second quarter of 2024, according to data from the Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ARPT).
These discussions come at a time when the South African group MTN is finalizing its withdrawal from the Guinean telecoms market. MTN Guinea, the country’s second largest operator, held 20.7% of the market share as of June 30, according to statistics from the telecoms regulator.
While this departure of MTN could represent a growth opportunity for Cellcom, it should not reduce competition. Orange, the undisputed market leader with a 74.7% share, will be joined by Telecel, which has already signed an agreement to take over MTN’s activities. In addition, the public company Guinée Télécoms, replacing the historic operator SOTELGUI, is working to launch its commercial activities.