Wealthy organizations resort to satellite
as people rush to border zones in East Cameroon
By Njodzefe Nestor in Bamenda
 |
| Libom Li Likeng |
Since the 17 of January 2017, internet
users in the North West and the South West regions have been deprived of
connections with service providers simply telling customers through short
message services that the situation is beyond their control.
Although
government has not claimed responsibility for the action, allegations are rife
that the action was executed by the Cameroon Telecommunication following
instructions by the Minister of telecommunications, Libom Li Likeng.
This
allegation however has been given credence by messages put out by internet
providers where they simply distanced themselves from what had happened
claiming it was due to circumstances beyond their control-an obvious reference
to their contractual obligations to comply with certain instructions by the
public authorities.
These
allegations according to observers are not unconnected to relentless efforts by
the government to check the “abusive use of the social media” and to “limit
discussions on the Anglophone problem”.
This
unfortunate situation has crippled business and administrative activities in
Bamenda with the negative effects valued at millions of frs CFA daily.
This
has however pushed some well to do organizations to resort to the installations
of satellites while individuals and smaller organizations have resulted to
visiting border towns of French Cameroon especially the west region to access
internet.
Speaking
to The Median newspaper, the Branch Manager of one of the Banks here in Bamenda
said after about a week of waiting with no iota of hope as to when the internet
services were to be reinstated, his bank had to resort to installing the
satellite for communication with other branches so as to satisfy their
customers.
“Although the installation of the satellite
was very costly we did not have a choice as we had to satisfy our customers and
that cannot be done without constant communication with other branches”
observed the Manager who opted not to be named regretting that the government
and their internet provider has not explained to them what is happening.
On
the other hand, individuals and other organizations have resorted to paying
transport as much as FCFA 1000 to neighboring Babajou in the West region to
access the internet for personal, administrative and business purposes.
“Twice
a week, since internet services were suspended, I travel to Babajou to read and
reply messages for my organization” observed KumCollete, a communication
Officer in one of the international Non GovernmentalOrganisations in Bamenda
bemoaning the extra cost and risk she has to incur for such transactions.
From
Banks to Money transfer agencies just like small and big businesses and even
individuals, the general cry is that government should do something about the
internet connections, and fast too.
No comments:
Post a Comment