Gabon

Basics
Gabon, officially the Gabonese Republic, is a sovereign state on the west coast of Central Africa, located near the equator. Gabon remains one of the wealthiest nations in Africa, with the economy largely supported by oil revenue.

The telecom market was liberalised in 1999, when the government awarded mobile telephony licences and established an independent regulatory authority (ARCEP). Mobile penetration already reached 100% in 2008 when 6 operators shared the market. Today, only two major mobile players remain: Gabon reached a pretty good 2G coverage, but following years of delays 3G was started as late as 2014. This happened more or less together with 4G/LTE services in 2014/5 in Libreville. 2G/GSM is on 900 MHz, 3G on 2100 MHz in major towns and 4G/LTE on an unspecified band in the capital.
 * Gabon Telecom (Libertis merged with Moov)
 * Airtel Gabon
 *  Azur  Gabon (USAN)

regulations, SIM cards, travel reports

Gabon Telecom (Libertis, Moov)
Gabon Telecom was privatised in 2007 when Maroc Telecom bought a 51% stake in the operator. In 2016 Maroc Telecom merged Gabon Telecom with Moov Gabon. The new operator is the new market leader and dominant provider with about 60% share. It's still known under its old name of Libertis.

3G or 4G/LTE coverage can be expected in Libreville, Bitam, Bongoville, Cocobeach, Fougamou, Franceville, Gamba, Kango, Koulamoutou, Lambarene, Lastoursville, Bongolo, Makokou, Mayoumba, Miztic, Moanda, Mouila, Ndjole, Ngouoni, Ntoum, Oyem, Port-Gentil, Tchibanga, Mandji and Batanga.

More infomation

 * APN: libertis


 * Website in French: http://www.gabontelecom.ga

Airtel Gabon
The second operator to be awarded a licence was Celtel Gabon in 2000. After being re-branded as Zain in 2007, it now operates as Airtel, since the Zain Group was acquired by India's Bharti Airtel in 2010. It used to be the dominant provider 2009-15 with a market share over 50%, but has been overtaken by Libertis recently.

More information

 * APN: internet.ga.airtel.com
 * Website in French: http://africa.airtel.com/wps/wcm/connect/africarevamp/Gabon/

Azur Gabon
Azur operated by USAM started in 2009. It triggered a price war 2010-12, but has been cash stricken and stuggeling ever since.

In 2017 it has been warned by telecoms regulator (ARCEP) that it could lose its operating licence due to its continued poor performance. Azur reported negative financial results each year since it started; a large debt, at around XAF 42 billion (US$ 75.2 million) owed to various providers and the state; difficulties in implementing 3G and 4G technologies; deterioration of the quality of service and the non-payment of staff salaries for at least the past seven months.

It's maket share has fallen to 6% in 2017. That's why Azur isn't recommended or shown here in more detail as it may face imminent suspension.
 * Website in French: http://www.azur-gabon.com/