The Multisectoral Regulatory Authority of Djibouti (ARMD) has granted NetCatOnline SAS its very first authorization for the establishment and operation of an electronic communications network open to the public, for the provision of internet access, private data transmission, and the provision of passive infrastructure to third-party operators. This authorization falls within the framework of the Digital Code and is accompanied by specifications outlining the technical, legal, economic, and operational conditions applicable to the holder. A signing ceremony for the specifications was held at the ARMD’s premises on the afternoon of March 17, 2026.
Under this authorization, NetCatOnline SAS is authorized to deploy and operate a national wired network, market its services to the public, offer secure private data transmission services, and, under certain conditions, make its passive infrastructure available to other operators. It is also entitled to access the landing stations operated by Djibouti Telecom or any other relevant operator, and may refer the matter to the ARMD in the event of a dispute concerning the technical or tariff conditions of such access.
In return, the operator is required to comply with a set of substantial obligations. It must first conduct its activities in strict accordance with the laws and regulations in force, particularly those relating to electronic communications, competition, consumer protection, taxation, and labor law. Contracts entered into with subscribers must be clear, legible, drafted in French and/or Arabic, and provide for avenues of appeal, compensation arrangements, as well as the conditions for service interruption. The specifications also impose strong obligations regarding service continuity, quality, and availability.
For the Djiboutian consumer, the arrival of this company in the telecommunications market may generate significant positive benefits:
- A wider choice of internet services: the arrival of a new operator can offer consumers more options and stimulate competition in the market;
- More transparent offers: the operator must clearly communicate its pricing, offer terms, and service characteristics;
- Subscriber contracts offering better protection: contracts must be clear, understandable, drafted in French and/or Arabic, and specify remedies as well as compensation possibilities;
- Regulated service quality: the operator is required to comply with obligations regarding the continuity, availability, and quality of the services provided;
- Better data protection and privacy: the specifications impose confidentiality of communications and regulate the use of subscriber data.
Through this authorization and the rigorous monitoring of the resulting obligations, ARMD remains committed to improving the functioning of the telecommunications market in the Republic of Djibouti. By ensuring market openness, service quality, consumer protection, and the gradual development of digital infrastructure, the Authority reaffirms its commitment to promoting a more efficient, more transparent environment that is more focused on the needs of users.
Source: ARMD
