Gov’t polices hinder Gamtel/Gamcel ineffective to competitors

Dr. Ahmadou Tijan Jallow, the board chairman of both Gamtel and Gamcel has told the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC) of the National Assembly to engage the government on its policies to allow the companies to operate in the competing market.

Dr. Jallow made this appeal recently during the committee review and consideration of the activity reports and financial statements of the two institutions for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2018.

“We all agree to the need of accountability for the results but you can’t tie the hands of these companies behind their backs and expect them to run fast as the competitors in the market,” he said.

Elizabeth Johnson Mendy, general manager at Gamcel said that Gamcel network is not easily accessible and where it is accessible, they face serious network congestion and as a result, the company has lost 70% of its market share for last 10 years.

She added that over the years they have lost 80% of their customer base, placing them third in the market in terms of network coverage. She attributed this to slow or no investment and inability to compete.