Overview:
Many people in Haiti complain about the poor internet connection and phone signal. This issue is exacerbated during periods of insecurity, hampering residents' ability to stay in touch with their loved ones. Haiti ranks among the least developed nations in the Caribbean region, grappling with notably low broadband access.
PORT-AU-PRINCE —In Haïti’s capital of Port-au-Prince, where the rhythm of daily life intertwines with the constant threat of armed gangs, a silent struggle persists – the battle for reliable internet and phone connectivity. Against the backdrop of escalating gang violence, the population grapples with the dual challenge of staying informed generally and about their families and connected amidst a sea of network disruptions.
Sarah Jules, an enterprising online merchant specializing in ready-to-wear products and sandals, embodies the frustrations shared by many. For Jules, a poor internet connection isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a source of profound anxiety.
“You may hear in the news that areas where some of your relatives live are in trouble, and due to a network issue, you can’t reach them,” said Jules to The Haitian Times. “This raises concerns for me and sometimes makes me imagine the worst-case scenarios,” she added.
“Faced with this situation of poor connection during the time of insecurity, I cried several times.”
Mislande Pierre, an accountant in Port-au-Prince
Jules’s sentiments echo the collective struggle faced by residents navigating Port-au-Prince’s dangerous and recently almost emptied streets, where every corner harbors the looming specter of armed individual attacks.
“I often encounter internet connection problems in the area where I live. In a month, I can go several days without a good connection,” adds Renande Métellus, a graduating student in Social Communication at The Haitian Times.
Like Jules, Métellus lives far from numerous family members in an area similarly under gang control, adding to her challenge in receiving timely updates due to the unreliable connection. This obstacle, she fears, could impede quick action in response to escalating situations.
“The problem could be on their side; I call them and can’t reach them. Sometimes, on my side, I can’t make calls, send messages, or receive them either,” complains Métellus.
In a country where two major telecommunications giants, Digicel and Natcom, vie for market dominance, the promise of seamless connectivity remains elusive. Despite the presence of alternative providers like Access Haiti, Hainet, and the recently launched Starlink, subscribers continue to grapple with subpar services. Acts of sabotage targeting telecommunication installations further exacerbate the situation, compounding the anxiety and economic hardships faced by residents.
“The situation is worse for me working in the province and sometimes unable to communicate with my family in the capital,” says Mislande Pierre, an accountant. “Faced with this situation of poor connection during the time of insecurity, I cried several times.”
Haiti’s Connectivity Crisis: Insights from Telecommunication
Kervens Romeus, a Telecommunication technician, sheds light on the root causes of Haiti’s connectivity woes, attributing them to overloaded telecommunication systems and security-related challenges. The overload of clients strains the systems of telecommunications companies, rendering them ill-equipped to meet the burgeoning demand.
Romeus said that Digicel infrastructure, for example, was designed for 5 million subscribers [but in 2020, it reached 12.9 million] and Natcom was built for 2 million but already has more than 7 million.
“The proliferation of subscribers far exceeds the capacity of existing infrastructure, leading to network congestion and service disruptions,” Romeus explains, emphasizing the urgent need for technological reforms and regulatory frameworks to address these issues.
According to Romeus, the lack of legislation leaves the population exposed to vulnerabilities. He highlights the precariousness of citizens’ health due to telephone antennas positioned on residential structures, potentially leading to illnesses. Furthermore, Romeus underscores the financial strain on individuals, noting how telecom companies levy taxes on recharges and require separate fees for both internet and calling plans, thus compounding the financial burden on the populace.
“Communication has become a luxury in Haiti, even if you can pay a calling plan for 50 gourdes,” adds Romeus. “We need to rethink the management of the telecommunications system in Haiti for better connectivity,” he added.
While countries worldwide recognize internet access as a fundamental human right, Haiti grapples with stark disparities in broadband access. With only 35% of the population enjoying broadband connectivity, far below the regional average of 78%, the digital divide threatens to stifle the country’s growth and competitiveness.
Poor connectivity results in dissatisfaction with local providers, particularly Digicel and Natcom. The internet service falls short of meeting the populace’s expectations, as highlighted in a 2021 report by the Internet Society Haiti Chapter (ISOC Haiti). The report reveals that 90% of Haitians access the internet via smartphones. Furthermore, findings indicate that 41% of Natcom’s clientele and 60% of Digicel’s customers express dissatisfaction with the services provided.
However, regarding insecurity, Romeus explains that poor connection can also result from companies struggling to power some of their antennas.
As gang violence tightens its grip on Port-au-Prince, this issue compounds during periods of heightened insecurity, leaving residents anxious and disconnected from their loved ones in areas targeted by alleged bandits. The presence of armed groups often deters telecommunication companies from maintaining or repairing essential infrastructure, including antennas and power sources. Consequently, residents in these areas face prolonged periods of disrupted communication, exacerbating their sense of isolation and vulnerability. The persistent issue poses significant challenges to family connections and also translates into potential income losses for businesses.
“A customer may contact me to buy a product, but they can’t reach me due to a connection problem. By the time I respond, they have already purchased the product from another merchant,” Jules laments.
“I often miss scheduled meetings on Zoom or Google Meet, miss some training sessions, and have delays in submitting some of my projects due to the internet,” adds Métellus, emphasizing that the problem worsens during periods of increased insecurity.