Togo: ARCEP revolutionizes mobile telephony with historic measures for consumers

The Togolese Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP) has just secured a resounding victory for consumer rights. Through a statement issued on Friday, February 20, 2026, the institution unveiled a series of major reforms that now position Togo at the forefront of mobile user protection in the West African subregion.

These new provisions, the result of in-depth consultations between the regulator, the two national operators (Yas Togo and Moov Africa Togo), and consumer associations, finally address long-standing concerns expressed by thousands of Togolese subscribers.

End of data waste: Rollover system introduced

The first measure, and certainly not the least, concerns the end of wasted data packages. From now on, unused internet data and voice call volumes will no longer be lost.

ARCEP has established an intelligent rollover system: remaining balances will be preserved for 10 days for packages whose initial validity is equal to or less than that duration, and for 30 days for longer-term offers.

This innovation will significantly ease household telecom budgets and put an end to the frustrating feeling of paying for unused services.

Togo first in region to mandate Per-Byte billing

Another spectacular advancement: Togo becomes the first country in the region to mandate the byte as the sole unit of measurement for mobile internet billing.

Gone are the opaque rounding practices and billing algorithms that made users feel their data packages depleted too quickly.

Now, volume consumed will correspond exactly to volume billed, guaranteeing total transparency and unprecedented fairness in the relationship between operators and consumers.

Extended SIM card validity for occasional users

Finally, in a welcome gesture for occasional users, ARCEP has doubled the validity period of unused SIM cards, extending it from three to six months.

This simple yet effective measure prevents subscribers from losing their numbers and credit due to temporary inactivity.

The foresight of ARCEP deserves recognition. Through these courageous decisions, the regulator is not merely regulating it is profoundly transforming the user experience.

By imposing data rollover and per-byte billing, the Togolese regulator ends disadvantageous commercial practices and compels operators to place the consumer at the heart of their concerns.

These measures, which will take effect in the coming months, mark a decisive turning point.

Togo can now take pride in being among the countries where mobile telephony finally rhymes with transparency, fairness, and respect for user rights.