Finnish telecommunications company Nokia has forged a partnership with Telecom Egypt to introduce 5G technology to Egypt for the first time.
The aim of the collaboration is to transform the country’s telecom sector by deploying 5G in cities such as Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Luxor, and Giza.
In January 2024, Telecom Egypt secured the country’s first licence at a cost of $150m to install and operate 5G networks for mobile phones. Granted by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), the 5G licence has a validity for 15 years.
Telecom Egypt will leverage Nokia’s AirScale portfolio to enhance its network for faster data speeds, enhanced performance, and increased capacity. Deployment is scheduled for later this year.
The agreement between the parties includes deploying Nokia’s 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment, featuring baseband units and the latest Massive MIMO radios powered by Nokia’s ReefShark system-on-chip (SOC) technology.
These solutions from Nokia are said to provide extensive 5G coverage and capacity, facilitating smooth deployments. Additionally, the Finnish firm will offer professional services such as deployment, integration, and network optimisation.
Telecom Egypt vice president and chief technology officer Mohamed Al Fowey said: “This new agreement with Nokia further strengthens our strong partnership, reaffirms our commitment to providing cutting-edge digital services, and positions us at the forefront of the 5G revolution.
“Both our consumer and enterprise customers can look forward to enhanced mobile broadband and exciting new applications that leverage the speed and low latency of 5G technology.”
According to Nokia, 5G technology will significantly boost connectivity in densely populated areas of Egypt, enabling faster downloads, seamless streaming, and improved overall network performance. This is expected to foster innovation and efficiency across various sectors, supporting organisations in adapting to the evolving digital landscape.
Nokia mobile networks president Tommi Uitto said: “This important 5G contract with Telecom Egypt extends our longstanding partnership. The introduction of 5G services enabled by our extensive portfolio will open exciting new opportunities for people and businesses in Egypt to experience enhanced mobile connectivity.
“Our collaboration establishes a strong foundation for driving the nation’s digital transformation.”
