- Government-owned Comores Telecom expands fibre and mobile services to remote islands
- Operator supports e-governance and national development despite technical and financial hurdles
Comores Telecom: Expanding digital infrastructure across islands
Comores Telecom, the national telecommunications provider of the Union of Comoros, has significantly advanced its digital services to meet the growing demands for connectivity across the island nation. With operations spanning Grande Comore, Anjouan, and Mohéli, the company has played a critical role in linking the country through mobile, internet, and fixed-line services. As outlined in its corporate profile, Comores Telecom continues to invest in fibre optic rollout, expanding broadband access and supporting data-heavy applications for both individuals and institutions. The company’s goal is to make high-speed internet more accessible, especially in rural and remote areas.
In addition to fibre, Comores Telecom is pushing ahead with 4G+ mobile coverage to enhance mobile broadband services, particularly for youth and entrepreneurs. During its 2024 celebration of International Telecommunications Day, the operator focused on innovation, digital skills, and supporting small businesses. The event included training sessions and exhibitions to promote local digital entrepreneurship. These initiatives show Comores Telecom’s wider commitment to building an inclusive digital society, even as it contends with challenges like high infrastructure costs and a geographically fragmented user base.
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Comores Telecom: Supporting E-Governance and national development
Comores Telecom is also central to the national digitalisation strategy, offering essential support to public sector projects and services. It provides hosting and secure connectivity for government institutions, making e-governance tools more viable and efficient. Digital identity management, secure online transactions, and cloud-based services for healthcare and education sectors are key components of this transformation. These services not only increase transparency but also improve service delivery for Comorian citizens across all islands.
Despite the momentum, the operator faces considerable hurdles. The telecom market in Comoros remains constrained by low purchasing power, limited international bandwidth, and expensive satellite backup services. Nonetheless, Comores Telecom has worked to mitigate these issues by leveraging undersea cable connections like EASSy and FLY-LION3, aiming to stabilise international traffic. Alongside technical upgrades, the company promotes digital literacy and workforce development through local training schemes. Its long-term strategy reflects a national vision of digital sovereignty, technological independence, and equitable access to communications infrastructure, reinforcing its role as a key pillar of the country’s digital economy.