Editing Telecommunications in Senegal

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'''Telecommunications in Senegal''' include radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet.

In 2012 the country had roughly 338,200 landlines for its 13.0 million inhabitants. A number of [[cyber cafés]] are located in the capital, [[Dakar]], and other cities.<ref name=ccg>{{cite web|url=http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica/en/senegal_ccg.pdf|title=Senegal Country Commercial Guide 2008|publisher=[[United States Commercial Service|U.S. Commercial Service]]|date=2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100607104655/http://www.buyusa.gov/westafrica/en/senegal_ccg.pdf|archive-date=7 June 2010|url-status=dead}} {{PD-notice}}</ref>

==Regulation==

[[Sonatel]], Senegal's main [[telephone company|telecommunications operator]], was privatized in 1997 with [[Orange S.A.|France Télécom]] as the strategic partner. Sonatel continues to dominate the market. Liberalization of some services accompanied privatization. Two companies now provide [[mobile phone|cellular telephone]] services, and there is a competitive [[Internet protocol suite|Internet services]] market.<ref name=ccg/>

An independent [[regulatory agency]] for the telecommunications sector, the Agency for Telecommunications and Postal Regulation (ARTP), was created in early 2002. Besides regulating providers of telecommunications services, the agency assigns and controls radio spectrum. The long-awaited telecommunications sector deregulation became effective in July 2004, with the release of a sectoral letter that outlined the IT policy for the coming years.  Telecommunications entrepreneurs who had hoped for a sweeping deregulation received a regime of guided deregulation instead.<ref name=ccg/>

The Government wants Senegal to be a haven for teleprocessing services, with its advantageous geographic position, relatively good telecommunications infrastructure and relatively low wages. A number of joint venture call centers and the telemarketing businesses have sprung up, most of them servicing the French market.<ref name=ccg/>

In 2007, sales generated by the telecommunications sector accounted for more than 7 percent of [[Gross domestic product|GDP]].<ref name=ccg/>

==Radio and television==
{{See also |Television in Senegal}}

* [[Radio broadcasting|Radio stations]]: 
** Approximately 80 community, public, and private commercial radio stations (2012);<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-Senegal-2012/>
** 8 AM, 20 FM, and one shortwave stations (2001).
* [[Receiver (radio)|Radios]]: 1.2 million (1997).{{update after|2014|2|3}}
* [[Television broadcasting|Television stations]]: 
** State-run Radiodiffusion Television Senegalaise (RTS) operates five main stations at Dakar, Thies, Tambacouda, Ziguinchor, and Louga; there are also numerous relay stations.<ref name="WRTH 2010">{{cite book|title=World Radio and Television Handbook 2010|date=2010|publisher=WRTH Publications, Ltd|location=Oxford, UK}}</ref>
** One (1997).
* [[Television set]]s: 361,000 (1997).{{update after|2014|2|3}}

Radio is the most important medium of mass information and source of news due to the high illiteracy rate.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-Senegal-2012/> The [[BBC World Service]] (105.6&nbsp;MHz) and [[Radio France Internationale]] are available on FM in [[Dakar]].<ref>[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-14093758 "Senegal profile"], BBC News, 23 March 2012. Retrieved 3 February 2014.</ref>

[[Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise]] (RTS) and [[2sTV]] are the two main TV channels.{{citation needed |date=February 2014}}

The government maintains control of locally televised information and opinion through RTS. By law, the government holds a majority interest in RTS, and the president directly or indirectly controls selection of all members of the 12-person RTS executive staff. However, in addition to RTS, five privately owned television channels are operating.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-Senegal-2012/>

Selective government media assistance appears to favor those government and independent outlets more friendly to the administration. The government frequently uses subsidies, and in a few cases threats and intimidation, to pressure the media not to publicize certain issues. The law criminalizes [[libel]], and libel laws are used to block or punish critical reporting and commentary. Occasional incidents of [[self-censorship]] by journalists occurred, particularly in government-controlled media.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-Senegal-2012/>

Senegal is a popular destination for [[amateur radio]] operators from Western and European points of origin who participate in "[[DXpedition]]s". A DXpedition is essentially a holiday planned for the purpose of making contacts with other amateur radio enthusiasts around the world. These short duration trips also help to promote interest in radio sports among the local residents who might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience radio communications for recreational and experimental purposes. More information may be obtained through the [[American Radio Relay League]] at [http://www.arrl.org www.arrl.org] (K4YZ).

==Telephones==
{{See also |Telephone numbers in Senegal}}

There are currently four cellular companies: the former Alizé, now Orange owned by Sonatel; Tigo/Sentel(now under the French Free Mobile brand), 75 percent owned by [[Millicom]] International Cellular; Hayo/CSU; and Expresso/Sudatel.  Orange has roughly two thirds of the cellular market, but Tigo is rapidly gaining market share. In November 2007 a third mobile license was awarded to [[Sudan|Sudan's]] [[Sudatel]] for $200 million. The license permits Sudatel to offer fixed line telephone and Internet service (for which Sonatel had a monopoly).<ref name=ccg/><ref name=itu>[http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/oth/02/02/T02020000B80001MSWE.doc Communication from the Senegalese regulator (ARTP)] to the [[International Telecommunication Union|ITU]]. Retrieved 1 October 2010. {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828143112/http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/oth/02/02/T02020000B80001MSWE.doc |date=28 August 2011 }}</ref> In 2012 a fourth license was awarded to CSU/Hayo, permitting them to offer mobile, fixed, wifi, and wimax services.

[[Image:Atlantis-II-map.png|thumb|300px|The [[Atlantis-2]] cable system. #4 is Dakar, Senegal.]]
* [[Calling code]]: +221,<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014>[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/senegal/ "Communications: Senegal"], ''World Factbook'', U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, 28 January 2014. Retrieved 3 February 2014.</ref> [[international call]]s to most countries can be dialed directly. 
* [[International call prefix]]: 00<ref>[http://www.itu.int/dms_pub/itu-t/opb/sp/T-SP-E.164C-2011-PDF-E.pdf ''Dialing Procedures (International Prefix, National (Trunk) Prefix and National (Significant) Number) (in Accordance with ITY-T Recommendation E.164 (11/2010))''], Annex to ITU Operational Bulletin No. 994-15.XII.2011, International Telecommunication Union (ITU, Geneva), 15 December 2011. Retrieved 2 January 2014.</ref> 
* Main lines: 
** 338,200 lines in use, 110th in the world (2012);<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014/> 
** 224,600 lines in use (2002).
* Mobile cellular: 
** 11.5 million lines, 73rd in the world (2012);<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014/> 
** 3.2 million lines (2007).
* [[List of international submarine communications cables|Communications cables]]: [[SAT-3/WASC|South Atlantic 3/West Africa Submarine Cable/]] [[SAFE (cable system)|SAFE]] (SAT-3/WASC/SAFE) fiber-optic cable provides connectivity to [[Europe]] and [[Asia]], while the [[Atlantis-2]] fiber-optic cable provides connectivity to [[South America]].<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014/> 
* [[Communications satellite|Satellite earth stations]]: One [[Intelsat]] ([[Atlantic Ocean]]).<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014/>

==Internet==

Internet service is widely available in [[Dakar]] and other towns either by private subscription or through Senegal's extensive network of "telecentres" and [[Internet café]]s. The [[Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line]] (ADSL) broadband subscriber base is growing rapidly, though the penetration rate is less than 1 percent.<ref name=ccg/>

* [[Top-level domain]]: [[.sn]]<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014/>
* [[List of countries by number of Internet users|Internet users]]: 
** 68.5%, or approximately 10.4 million users in 2018<ref>ARTP [http://www.artpsenegal.net/sites/default/files/docs_actualites/rapport_observatoire_t3-2018.pdf "Rapport trimestriel sur le marché des télécommunications au 30 septembre 2018"]</ref>
** 2.5 million users, 84th in the world; 19.2% of the population, 145th in the world (2012).<ref name=NIUCalc>Calculated using penetration rate and population data from [https://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/rank.php "Countries and Areas Ranked by Population: 2012"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329060848/https://www.census.gov/population/international/data/idb/rank.php |date=29 March 2017 }}, Population data, International Programs, U.S. Census Bureau, retrieved 26 June 2013</ref><ref name=ITU-IndividualsUsingTheInternet>[http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Documents/statistics/2013/Individuals_Internet_2000-2012.xls "Percentage of Individuals using the Internet 2000–2012"], International Telecommunication Union (Geneva), June 2013, retrieved 22 June 2013</ref>
** 1.8 million users, 76th in the world (2009).<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014/>
* [[List of countries by number of broadband Internet subscriptions|Fixed broadband]]: 94,548 subscriptions, 103rd in the world; 0.7% of the population, 145th in the world (2012).<ref name=NIUCalc/><ref name="FixedBroadbandITUDynamic2012">[http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ICTEYE/Reporting/DynamicReportWizard.aspx "Fixed (wired)-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants 2012"], Dynamic Report, ITU ITC EYE, [[International Telecommunication Union]]. Retrieved on 29 June 2013.</ref>
* [[List of countries by number of broadband Internet subscriptions|Wireless broadband]]: 486,490 subscribers, 92nd in the world; 3.8% of the population, 117th in the world (2012).<ref name="MobleBroadbandITUDynamic2012">[http://www.itu.int/ITU-D/ICTEYE/Reporting/DynamicReportWizard.aspx "Active mobile-broadband subscriptions per 100 inhabitants 2012"], Dynamic Report, ITU ITC EYE, [[International Telecommunication Union]]. Retrieved on 29 June 2013.</ref>
* [[List of countries by number of Internet hosts|Internet hosts]]: 237 hosts, 197th in the world (2012).<ref name=CIAWFB-Senegal-2014/>
* [[List of countries by IPv4 address allocation|IPv4]]: 293,248 addresses allocated, less than 0.05% of the world total, 22.6 addresses per 1000 people.<ref>[http://www.countryipblocks.net/country-blocks/select-formats/ Select Formats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090513033601/http://www.countryipblocks.net/country-blocks/select-formats/ |date=13 May 2009 }}, Country IP Blocks. Accessed on 2 April 2012. Note: Site is said to be updated daily.</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20070613003851/https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2119.html Population], [[The World Factbook]], [[United States]] [[Central Intelligence Agency]]. Accessed on 2 April 2012. Note: Data are mostly for 1 July 2012.</ref>
* [[Internet service provider]]s: 762 ISPs (2014).<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_trjGFGO97gC&q=Internet+service+providers%3A+761+ISPs+%282002%29.&pg=PA52|title=Intellectual Property Rights in China: Politics of Piracy, Trade and Protection|last=Cheung|first=Gordon C. K.|date=2009-03-12|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781134217885|language=en}}</ref>

===Internet censorship and surveillance===

There are no government restrictions on access to the Internet, or reports that the government monitors [[e-mail]] or Internet [[chat rooms]] without appropriate legal authority. Individuals and groups engage in the peaceful expression of views via the Internet, including by e‑mail.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-Senegal-2012>[https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/drl/rls/hrrpt/humanrightsreport/index.htm?year=2012&dlid=204160 "Senegal"], ''Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012'', Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State, 18 April 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2014.</ref> However, in 2023 and 2024, the government shut down all mobile internet access by all poviders several times to prohibit communication during periods of unrest due to trials and imprisonment of Ousmane Sonko (2023) and the suspension and delay of the February 2024 national election (2024). 

The constitution and law provide for [[freedom of speech]] and [[freedom of the press|press]]; however, the government limits these rights in practice. Individuals can generally criticize the government publicly or privately without reprisal. The law criminalizes libel, and libel laws are used to block or punish critical reporting and commentary. The constitution and law prohibit arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home, or correspondence, and the government generally respects these prohibitions in practice.<ref name=USDOS-CRHRP-Senegal-2012/>

===Scholarly communication===
====Open access====
[[Open access]] to scholarly communication in Senegal is developing.<ref>{{citation |title=Les revues sénégalaises en ligne: Quelques expériences concrètes |author=Diéyi Diouf |language=fr |url=http://www.codesria.org/spip.php?article588 |publisher=[[Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa]] |year=2008}} {{free access}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://tagteam.harvard.edu/hubs/3/tag/oa.senegal |title=(Senegal) |work=[[Open Access Tracking Project]] |oclc= 1040261573 |publisher=Harvard University |editor=Peter Suber |editor-link=Peter Suber |access-date=21 September 2017}}</ref> The Consortium des Bibliothèques de l'Enseignement Supérieur du Sénégal (academic library consortium) and the Association Sénégalaise des Bibliothécaires, Archivistes et Documentalistes (professional society) have signed the [[Budapest Open Access Initiative]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.budapestopenaccessinitiative.org/list_signatures |title=Signatures |work=Budapest Open Access Initiative |access-date=21 September 2017}}</ref>

The [[French Ministry of Foreign Affairs]] funded in 2004–2007 the creation of scholarly publishing platforms in Africa ("Système d’information scientifique et technique"),<ref>{{cite book |title=SIST: Pour la science en Afrique |language=en, fr |url=https://agritrop.cirad.fr/542496/2/SIST-2%20Dépliant2R.pdf |via=[[Agritrop]] |publisher=Ministère des Affaires étrangères et européennes |year=2007 |isbn=978-2-87614-641-9}} {{open access}}</ref> which led to the 2006 launch of SIST Sénégal.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071208022718/http://www.sist-sciencesdev.net/article.php3?id_article=58&lang=fr |url=http://www.sist-sciencesdev.net:80/article.php3?id_article=58&lang=fr |language=fr |work=Sist-sciencesdev.net |title=SIST Sénégal est en ligne |archive-date=8 December 2007 |url-status=dead |quote=Sist.sn  }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |author=Florence Piron |display-authors=etal |title=Le libre accès vu d'Afrique francophone subsaharienne |trans-title=Open access seen from francophone Sub-Saharan Africa |journal=Revue française des sciences de l'information et de la communication |issn=2263-0856 |number=11 |url=http://rfsic.revues.org/3292 |language=fr |via=[[Revues.org]] |year=2017}} {{open access}}</ref> According to [[UNESCO]], the Bibliothèque SIST Sénégal is one of two open access repositories in Senegal, the other being Biens Culturels Africains at the [[Institut Fondamental d'Afrique Noire]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=UNESCO |location=Paris |url=http://www.unesco.org/new/en/communication-and-information/portals-and-platforms/goap/access-by-region/africa/senegal/ |work=Global Open Access Portal |title=Senegal |access-date=22 September 2017}}</ref>

==See also==

* [[Media of Senegal]]
* [[Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise]], the Senegalese public broadcasting company.
* [[List of terrestrial fibre optic cable projects in Africa#Senegal|Terrestrial fibre optic cable projects in Senegal]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}
* {{CIA World Factbook |year=2014}}
* {{US DOS |year=2012}}

==External links==
* [http://www.nic.sn/index.php/en/ NIC Senegal], registrar for the .sn domain.

{{Clear}}
{{Senegal topics}}
{{Africa topic|Telecommunications in}}
{{Telecommunications}}
{{Internet censorship by country}}

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[[Category:Telecommunications in Senegal| ]]