Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt have officially joined Telecom Egypt in securing 5G licenses, according to recent announcements by Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA). This move marks a significant step in Egypt’s digital transformation journey.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) confirmed that these agreements were signed under the same terms as Telecom Egypt’s earlier deal in January. With these new licenses, the total value of the 5G licenses in Egypt is estimated at $675 million. Importantly, the agreement also includes the renewal of licenses for previous generations of mobile technology for a 15-year term, though no new frequency bands were allocated as part of this deal.
Amr Talaat, Egypt’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, expressed his optimism about the impact 5G will have, stating that it “will support ultrafast broadband speeds, while also enhancing the Internet of Things (IoT) services.” His remarks underscore the broader vision of 5G as a catalyst for growth in Egypt’s digital and technological infrastructure.
While no operator in Egypt has officially launched 5G services yet, Telecom Egypt has already taken steps toward implementation. The company has partnered with Nokia to roll out its 5G network across several key cities, including Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Giza, and Luxor.
Egypt is uniquely positioned to enhance connectivity in Africa, serving as a vital link between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal, where 16 undersea cables land. Approximately 17% of the world’s internet traffic travels along these cables and through Egypt.
With over 82 million internet users and a penetration rate of 72.2%, along with 110 million mobile connections (97.3% mobile connectivity), Egypt has made significant strides in improving its connectivity. However, its internet penetration still lags behind that of Morocco, which boasts 135% mobile connectivity and 90.7% internet penetration, and Tunisia, with 133.7% mobile connectivity and 79.6% internet penetration.
The Egyptian government is committed to advancing digitalization through its “Vision 2030” and “Digital Egypt” strategies, aimed at transforming the country into a digital society focused on digital upskilling, transformation, and innovation, and the entry of Vodafone, Orange, and e& into the 5G space, alongside Telecom Egypt, represents a strategic leap forward in the country’s digital communications landscape.
