
Togo’s Digital Divide: The Surprising Reality of Internet Speeds
The latest ARCEP-Togo and nPerf report (April 2024-March 2025) reveals a paradox in Togo’s internet landscape: while fiber optic adoption grows, 4G mobile continues delivering better real-world performance. Here’s what the data shows and what it means for consumers and businesses.
Key Findings at a Glance
📶 Fiber Market Share:
- Canalbox (GVA Group): 61%
- Yas Togo (Axian Group): 39%
⚡ Speed Comparison:
- Best Fiber: 35.08 Mbps (Canalbox)
- Average 4G: 42-55 Mbps (multiple operators)
🌍 Regional Standing:
- Togo’s best fiber ranks 4th in WAEMU
- 3x slower than regional leader Orange Côte d’Ivoire (91.9 Mbps)
Why 4G Outperforms Fiber in Togo
Despite fiber’s technical superiority, these factors explain the performance gap:
- Infrastructure Limitations:
- Aging fiber backhaul networks
- Last-mile connectivity bottlenecks
- Limited Points of Presence (PoPs)
- Service Quality Issues:
- Inconsistent maintenance
- Power reliability challenges
- Oversubscribed nodes
- Mobile Advantages:
- Newer 4G/LTE infrastructure
- Better network optimization
- Competitive pressure among mobile operators
Operator Deep Dive: Canalbox vs Yas Togo
Performance Metric | Canalbox | Yas Togo |
---|---|---|
Download Speed | 35.08 Mbps | 29.64 Mbps |
Upload Speed | 8.08 Mbps | 6.70 Mbps |
Latency | 28ms | 34ms |
YouTube Streaming Score | 71.55% | 68.25% |
Web Browsing Score | 48.09% | 43.35% |
“Canalbox maintains leadership but both operators trail regional benchmarks” – ARCEP spokesperson
What This Means for You
For Home Users:
- Mobile 4G: Better for streaming, social media
- Fiber: More stable for video calls, large downloads
- Gamers: Consider hybrid solutions
For Businesses:
- eCommerce: Mobile-first optimization critical
- Cloud Services: Evaluate latency requirements
- Remote Work: Fiber reliability varies by location
The Path Forward: 3 Critical Needs
- Network Modernization:
- Fiber backbone upgrades
- Increased PoPs
- Better peering arrangements
- Regulatory Improvements:
- Stricter QoS enforcement
- Transparent speed reporting
- Infrastructure sharing policies
- Consumer Education:
- Realistic speed expectations
- Right technology for different uses
- Troubleshooting resources
How to Get the Best Internet Experience
- Test Your Connection:
- Use nPerf or Speedtest
- Compare different times of day
- Choose Wisely:
- Check coverage maps
- Read recent user reviews
- Consider hybrid solutions
- Optimize Your Setup:
- Proper router placement
- QoS settings
- Wired connections for critical devices