Egypt to Issue 5G Network Licenses in December

In a significant step towards bolstering its digital infrastructure, Egypt has articulated plans to issue operational licenses for 5G, the fifth-generation mobile communication networks, in December 2023. Revealed by sources intimately acquainted with the matter, these licenses could potentially be priced at a minimum of $500 million. The establishment of 5G networks will revolutionize the digital landscape in Egypt, offering faster download and upload speeds, lower latency, and the potential for widespread connection of devices in the Internet of Things (IoT). The introduction of these licenses is likely to augment the nation's technological capabilities and bolster its digital economy. The issuance date offers a crucial flexibility clause allowing it to be elongated from December into early 2024. This provision is intended to accommodate companies requiring additional time to secure necessary financing. Furthermore, the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) may concede to requests by telecom operators to hike the prices of their services. This strategy aims to incentivize companies to obtain the 5G licenses, thereby accelerating the network's deployment. Given the transformative potential of 5G, its adoption in Egypt signals a major advancement in the nation's digital journey. Over time 5G infrastructure will solidify and its benefits will permeate various sectors, contributing significantly to the nation's overall development.