The head of Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Mohamed Shamroukh, has announced plans to increase telecom service prices in response to rising operational costs driven by higher energy prices. Shamroukh emphasized that this adjustment is necessary to ensure that services meet the needs and expectations of citizens.
For several months, mobile operators in Egypt have urged the NTRA to approve price hikes to address the financial pressures stemming from escalating fuel costs and the devaluation of the Egyptian pound. Operators have expressed concerns that without approval for increased prices, their ability to invest in 5G technology may be adversely affected.
Despite these challenges, Egypt’s mobile operators have successfully obtained licenses for 5G services, which promise to enhance internet connectivity, speed, and capacity. According to Egypt’s Minister of Communications, Amr Talaat, the sale of these licenses generated approximately USD 675 million (EGP 32.7 billion) for the country on October 7.
The licenses were acquired by Egypt’s four major mobile operators, including Vodafone Egypt, which is owned by South Africa’s Vodacom Group, and Orange Egypt, a subsidiary of France’s Orange Group. Additionally, Etisalat Egypt, part of the UAE-based &e Group, and state-owned Telecom Egypt, which holds a 45 percent stake in Vodafone Egypt, also secured licenses.
Shamroukh further announced that “eSIM services will be launched in the Egyptian market within a month,” and “Wi-Fi calling services will be available before the end of 2024,” indicating ongoing advancements in Egypt’s telecommunications landscape.