Cameroon Telecommunications – CAMTEL and the Cameroon Real Estate Cooperation known as SIC have signed a framework agreement to bring high-speed fiber-optic internet to social housing communities nationwide.
The agreement was formalized on Wednesday, October 7, at CAMTEL’s headquarters in Yaounde by CAMTEL General Manager Judith Yah Sunday Epse Achidi and SIC General Manager Ahmadou Sardaouna. Under the partnership, CAMTEL will pre-cable existing housing units and integrate broadband infrastructure directly into the architectural design of all future housing developments.
The initiative aims to expand digital access by ensuring residents can study, work, and access essential public services directly from their homes. Describing the project as “social connectivity,” SIC General Manager Ahmadou Sardaouna emphasized that integrating fiber infrastructure aligns with government directives and significantly improves resident welfare.
The agreement is expected to benefit over 30,000 clients across SIC’s network, elevating digital access to the same level of priority as standard utilities like water and electricity.
To ensure affordability, CAMTEL has introduced a tailored, heavily discounted pricing package exclusively for SIC residents. The proposed package features an access fee of 25,000 FCFA (including tax) and a reduced monthly subscription of 15,000 FCFA (including tax).
By pre-cabling buildings, CAMTEL eliminates the need for individual tenants to request connections after moving in, allowing immediate access to reliable high-speed broadband upon occupancy.
While the partnership targets approximately 12,000 SIC housing units, CAMTEL clarified that deployment will occur progressively based on technical studies and joint priority assessments. The initial sites and rollout timetables will be finalized as implementation begins. CAMTEL’s leadership emphasized that the project’s ultimate metric of success will be operational performance, focusing on delivering reliable service and an optimal user experience rather than mere cable coverage.
By embedding telecommunications infrastructure during the design phase of future real estate developments, both institutions aim to avoid complex retrofitting in older structures.
CAMTEL noted that incorporating cable routes and connection points early in construction guarantees seamless network availability while reducing installation overhead. Both management teams will now collaborate to establish pilot locations, oversee physical deployment, and monitor network delivery.
This joint venture directly aligns with Cameroon’s broader national digital transformation roadmap, combining social housing initiatives with modern digital inclusion.
By bridging the gap between affordable housing and telecommunications, CAMTEL and SIC are ensuring that low- and middle-income families possess the connectivity required to participate in the modern digital economy.
