[DIGITAL Business Africa] – For nearly two months, Cameroon’s state-owned telecom operator Camtel has unilaterally and without explanation ended several data offers and bundles - leaving customers feeling frustrated and abandoned.
Subscribers to Blue, Camtel’s mobile brand, can no longer purchase daily data bundles that once ranged from 100 CFA francs to 2,000 CFA francs. In place of these daily bundles, only one option is now available: 1,000 CFA francs for 2 GB, valid for 7 days.
3-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour bundles scrapped
3-hour, 24-hour, and 48-hour bundles scrapped
Despite this change taking place nearly two months ago, no official communication has been made. Customers only discover the disappearance of these bundles when attempting to top up. There has been no word in the traditional media and no announcement on Camtel’s or Blue by Camtel’s digital platforms, which continue instead to post concert invitations, games, or promotions for their FTTH offer, itself widely criticized on Facebook.
Two weeks ago, Digital Business Africa contacted Camtel’s Head of Communications Unit, Benedit Ndinwa, Head of the Communications Division, Eric Benjamin Lamère, and CEO Judith Yah Sunday to request an explanation for this abrupt removal. As of August 8, 2025, our interview request remains unanswered.
Thousands of internet users demand answers… in vain
On social media – especially Camtel’s Facebook page – no post, regardless of its subject, escapes angry subscriber comments. Complaints range from suspended bundles to purchased but unusable data and poor network quality.
For example, under a July 1, 2025, post titled “Camtel Sets the Tone at SAGO 2025!”, in which the company described its participation at the 14th Government Action Fair alongside top officials, nearly all of the 76 comments were negative. None praised the company’s presence; all criticized poor internet access or the removal of bundles.
“Hi! I haven’t been able to activate a Camtel bundle since this morning,” wrote one subscriber. Another mocked: “You’re putting on a show in Yaoundé while the connection in Douala is terrible. Shame on you!”
Kristelle Can turned her comment into an official complaint:
“It’s now been 4 days that I’ve been without internet access, even though all my bills are paid. What’s even more outrageous is the complete lack of communication from you. No message, no assistance. It’s up to me, the customer, to chase you for explanations. This is unacceptable and shows a profound lack of respect and professionalism.”
Unsurprisingly, this comment – like so many others – has gone unanswered.
Camtel’s post has received numerous complaints
A withdrawal from the market - and customers
This silent removal of Blue bundles, without prior notice or official explanation, amounts to a partial withdrawal from the market – specifically from customers who consume between 100 and 500 CFA francs per day – and a blatant neglect of customer relations.
Added to the operator’s many other issues, this approach only speeds up the exodus of subscribers to competitors eager to snap up dissatisfied clients. It is a combination of incompetence and blatant disregard for users. At Camtel, the customer is no longer king.
By Beaugas-Orain DJOYUM
Read the editorial by Beaugas Orain DJOYUM on this subject
Camtel + Blue = « System Error » : l’exposition d’une incompétence
