Egypt has officially entered the 5G era, with all four major telecom operators switching on their networks during a joint launch event held near the Pyramids of Giza. The activation, which follows years of spectrum negotiations and infrastructure investment, marks a long-awaited shift in Egypt’s connectivity landscape under the Digital Egypt strategy.
Four operators launch in sync
Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, e& Egypt, and Telecom Egypt launched their respective 5G services on June 5, 2025, following a multi-year delay attributed to regulatory and licensing hurdles. The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) oversaw the simultaneous activation, which took place at a high-profile event attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and Minister of Communications Amr Talaat.
The symbolic launch at the Giza Pyramids linked Egypt’s historic legacy with its digital ambitions, as government officials emphasized the role of 5G in accelerating the country’s economic transformation.
Investments and partnerships
Since 2019, Egypt’s operators have invested a combined $2.7 billion in spectrum licenses and infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the 5G rollout. Orange Egypt secured $80 million in financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development to support its deployment efforts, while Telecom Egypt partnered with Nokia to supply core network technology for 5G delivery.
The Ministry of Communications has positioned 5G as a key pillar of the Digital Egypt framework, which aims to modernize public services, attract tech investment, and improve digital inclusion across the country.
Coverage limited for now
Initial 5G coverage is restricted to high-density zones in Cairo, Alexandria, and the New Administrative Capital. Operators plan to expand nationwide access gradually, with most cities expected to gain reliable 5G service by the end of 2026.
Consumers in covered areas with compatible devices can begin accessing the network immediately. Enterprise applications are also in focus, particularly in finance, healthcare, and logistics, though real commercial adoption will take time.
Regional context and future outlook
Egypt’s 5G rollout brings it closer to regional peers such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, who adopted the technology earlier. With new submarine cable projects and data center investments underway, 5G is expected to enhance Egypt’s role as a digital corridor for Africa and the Middle East.
While the short-term impact may be limited to speed and latency improvements for early adopters, the government and private sector see 5G as critical infrastructure for Egypt’s long-term economic and technological development.
