Nokia has announced a new partnership with Telecom Egypt to introduce fifth-generation (5G) technology across Egypt. This landmark initiative is set to transform the nation’s telecom landscape by significantly enhancing capacity and connectivity, promising a new era of digital services for the Egyptian populace.
Under the terms of the agreement, Nokia will supply state-of-the-art 5G radio access network (RAN) equipment from its extensive AirScale portfolio. This includes Massive MIMO radios, baseband, remote radio heads, and a variety of other services. The deployment of this advanced equipment is scheduled for later in 2024, marking the beginning of a new digital age for Egypt.
Central to this rollout will be Nokia’s energy-efficient ReefShark System-on-Chip technology, designed to deliver exceptional 5G capacity and coverage. The benefits of this technology are poised to be far-reaching, providing better internet connections, enhanced network performance, and improved capacity, particularly in Egypt’s most densely populated cities like Alexandria, Aswan, Cairo, Giza, and Luxor.
Nokia’s partnership with Telecom Egypt extends beyond equipment supply. The company will also offer a range of professional services, including deployment, integration, and network optimization, ensuring a seamless and efficient rollout of 5G services.
The introduction of 5G technology in Egypt is expected to foster unprecedented innovation and efficiency across various industries. Enhanced mobile broadband and new applications leveraging the speed and low latency of 5G technology will empower numerous organizations to thrive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.
Mohamed Al Fowey, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Telecom Egypt, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The new agreement with Nokia solidifies our longstanding partnership and reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional digital services. This positions us at the forefront of the 5G revolution. Our consumer and enterprise customers can anticipate enhanced mobile broadband and exciting new applications that take advantage of the speed and low latency of 5G technology.”
The foundation for this ambitious project was laid earlier this year when Egypt’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) granted Telecom Egypt a 15-year license to operate 5G for $150 million, making it the first mobile operator in the country to secure such a license. This move was closely followed by Telecom Egypt’s partnership with Zain Omantel International Company (ZOI) to develop new digital infrastructure and establish a data transfer route connecting Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Arabian Gulf.
The collaboration between Nokia and Telecom Egypt represents a pivotal moment in Egypt’s digital transformation journey. As the deployment progresses, it is anticipated that 5G technology will not only revolutionize the telecom sector but also catalyze growth and innovation across the nation, paving the way for a more connected and digitally empowered Egypt.
