Telecom Egypt partners with Nokia to deploy 5G network
TLDR
- Telecom Egypt and Nokia partner to introduce 5G technology in Egypt, upgrading the state-owned telco's radio access network.
- 5G-ready services to be launched in Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Giza, and Luxor for the first time in Egypt.
- Nokia to deploy 5G RAN equipment for faster data speeds, enhanced performance, and increased network capacity.
Telecom Egypt and Nokia have partnered to bring fifth-generation (5G) technology to Egypt in a deal that will see the state-owned telco's radio access network upgraded.
The plan is to introduce 5G-ready services in the cities of Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Giza, and Luxor – bringing 5G technology to the country for the first time. The agreement will see Nokia deploy 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment from its AirScale portfolio, comprising baseband units and its latest generation of Massive MIMO radios.
"This will deliver an exceptional network experience for Telecom Egypt's customers, including faster data speeds, enhanced performance, and increased capacity," both companies said in a joint statement.
Key Takeaways
Under a privatization push, the Egyptian government sold its 9.5% stake in Telecom Egypt in May 2023, and in September 2023, said it was considering selling more of its share. At the end of the first quarter of 2024, Telecom Egypt had about 13 million subscribers, making it the smallest operator in the country. Vodafone Egypt, now majority controlled by SA's Vodacom, is the country's biggest mobile operator with 48.3 million subscribers around the same period. Orange Egypt has about 29.6 million subscribers. Etisalat follows it, with almost 29.4 million subscribers. It will be interesting to see which other Egyptian telcos not only secure 5G licenses but also deploy the technology.
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