Cameroon Phone Number Emerging Digital Landscape

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Cameroon's telecommunications sector is experiencing significant growth, with mobile connections playing a crucial role in connecting its population. As of early 2025, there were approximately 25.5 million cellular mobile connections in Cameroon, representing about 86.3% of the total population. While this figure indicates a high penetration rate, it's important to note that some individuals may hold multiple subscriptions.

The number of mobile connections has shown a steady increase, with a 0.9% rise between early 2024 and early 2025. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing adoption of mobile phones, particularly those supporting 3G, 4G, and 5G services. The government's "Cameroon Digital 2020" program, though past its target year, continues to influence efforts to improve national connectivity and accelerate the digital economy.

The market is dominated by two major players, MTN Cameroon and Orange Cameroon, which handle a vast majority of mobile money transactions, a vital service for financial inclusion. The cameroon phone number data entry of Viettel Cameroon as a third operator and Camtel's recent efforts to launch its own mobile services indicate a growing competitive landscape.

This increased competition is expected to drive further investment in network infrastructure, particularly in rural areas that have historically been underserved by fixed-line services. The expansion of mobile broadband is a key focus, with GSMA Intelligence data indicating that 83.6% of mobile connections in Cameroon are now considered broadband-enabled (3G, 4G, or 5G). This shift towards mobile broadband is crucial for improving internet access and supporting the burgeoning digital economy.

Despite the progress, Cameroon still faces challenges in fully leveraging its digital potential. Internet penetration stood at 41.9% in early 2025, with around 12.4 million internet users. While this shows an increase from the previous year, a significant portion of the population remains offline.

The average fixed internet download speed is relatively low at 9.48 Mbps, highlighting the need for continued investment in high-speed broadband infrastructure. The regulatory environment also plays a vital role, with ongoing discussions around issues like mobile number portability and network sharing agreements aimed at fostering a more efficient and accessible telecom market.