Côte d'Ivoire's ARTCI Aims to Harmonize Fiber Optic Deployment and Improve Fixed Network Quality

The Autorité de régulation des télécommunications/TIC de Côte d'Ivoire (ARTCI) is taking steps to strengthen norms for fiber optic deployment and improve the quality of fixed electronic communication services. To achieve this, the regulator is developing new technical references adapted to the sector's evolution. This initiative was the focus of a recent seminar in Assinie, which brought together around sixty participants from public administrations, operators, and suppliers of electronic communication services.

The seminar, held from November 4 to 6, 2026, addressed three main areas. These included defining technical standards for fiber optic infrastructure deployment, finalizing a protocol for measuring the quality of service of fixed networks, particularly those using FTTH (fiber optic to the home) technology, and examining the conditions for activating VoLTE and VoWiFi technologies in Côte d'Ivoire. These discussions aim to address the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of fiber optic networks nationwide.

The expansion of fiber optic networks in Côte d'Ivoire has raised concerns about harmonizing deployment practices, sharing infrastructure, and managing the proliferation of aerial supports. The ARTCI's efforts seek to ensure that users have access to more efficient and reliable electronic communication services. By standardizing fiber optic deployment and improving network quality, the regulator aims to enhance the overall user experience.

The seminar's outcomes will be submitted to the ARTCI's Regulatory Council for review and adoption. According to Guy-Michel Kouakou, Director of Telecommunications Regulation, Rare Resources, and Infrastructure (DRTRI), these results will contribute to establishing more efficient communication infrastructures and improving the quality of services offered to the population. The ARTCI's initiative is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

The development of new technical references is crucial in ensuring that fiber optic deployment is carried out in a coordinated and efficient manner. This, in turn, will enable the provision of high-quality fixed communication services that meet the growing demands of users. The ARTCI's efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the country's telecommunications sector.

The involvement of various stakeholders, including public administrations, operators, suppliers, and experts, in the seminar underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving the ARTCI's objectives. By working together, these stakeholders can share knowledge, expertise, and best practices, ultimately contributing to the development of a more robust and efficient telecommunications sector in Côte d'Ivoire.

The ARTCI's initiative is part of its broader mandate to regulate and oversee the country's telecommunications sector. By promoting the development of high-quality communication infrastructures and services, the regulator aims to support the country's economic growth and social development. The successful implementation of the ARTCI's plans will depend on continued collaboration and coordination among stakeholders.

Key points

• The ARTCI aims to standardize fiber optic deployment and improve the quality of fixed electronic communication services in Côte d'Ivoire.
• The regulator is developing new technical references adapted to the sector's evolution.
• The initiative seeks to address the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of fiber optic networks nationwide.