Airtel Chad has announced a major XAF50 billion (approximately US$90 million) investment programme to enhance network performance and expand digital connectivity across the country. The phased rollout is designed to address ongoing concerns over service quality while extending high-speed coverage to underserved regions.
In the immediate term, Airtel plans to increase microwave connection capacity, replace aging generators, expand radio capacity at 89 4G sites, upgrade router ports in N’Djamena to 100G, and modernize the fibre infrastructure of former state-owned operator SOTEL.
By January 2026, the operator intends to connect key towns including Massakory, Ati, Dop-Dop, and Abéché via fibre, add radio services to 306 sites, and launch the third phase of metro fibre deployment in the capital. Further expansion by June 2026 will see 114 new sites built to improve coverage, 4G extended to 170 more locations, and fibre rolled out to link N’Djamena and Sarh through Dourbali and Bousso. Airtel also plans to replace its Ericsson-supplied core network with Huawei equipment.
The plan has been formally submitted to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP), which has recently pressed operators to accelerate integration with Chad’s national fibre backbone. This follows consumer complaints of frequent outages, unstable internet, limited coverage, and high tariffs. ARCEP has also flagged delays in updating subscriber identification.
Airtel has previously faced regulatory penalties, including a XAF5 billion (US$9 million) fine in August 2023 for failing to meet quality of service (QoS) standards. To ensure accountability this time, the company has pledged to deliver monthly progress reports on its investment rollout. Meanwhile, ARCEP has launched its 15th national audit on service quality, underscoring the regulator’s commitment to improving customer experience in Chad’s telecom sector.
