Egypt Signs Largest Mobile Spectrum Allocation Deal Worth $3.5 Billion

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has witnessed the signing of the largest mobile spectrum allocation deal in the history of Egypt’s telecommunications sector, granting a total of 410 MHz of new spectrum to the country’s four mobile operators. The deal is valued at USD 3.5 billion and was signed in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly.

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Amr Talaat stated that the agreement represents a historic transformation for the sector, as the newly allocated spectrum equals the total capacity assigned over the past 30 years since the launch of mobile services in Egypt. He noted that the deal’s value accounts for more than one-third of total telecom investments made over three decades, which amounted to approximately USD 10 billion for spectrum and operating licenses.

A Strategic Step to Reshape Telecom Infrastructure

Dr. Talaat emphasized that the spectrum agreements are not merely technical measures, but rather a long-term strategic step that aligns the state’s vision with private sector partnerships to reshape Egypt’s telecommunications infrastructure and enhance network readiness for rapid growth and digital transformation.

Network Readiness and 5G Integration

The minister explained that the significant expansion in spectrum capacity complements the launch of 5G services in June 2025, ensuring that networks are capable of supporting future applications such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and data-intensive digital services.

Telecommunications as a Pillar of the Digital Economy

Dr. Talaat highlighted that Egypt’s Digital Strategy focuses on four interconnected objectives:

Building digital skills to empower citizens with job opportunities in the digital economy

Expanding efficient and fast digital government services

Leveraging artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as development opportunities

Transforming the ICT sector into a productive, export-oriented contributor to GDP

Major Investments in Infrastructure

The minister noted that Egypt has invested approximately USD 6 billion in mobile and fixed broadband infrastructure in recent years, including USD 3.5 billion to upgrade the fixed internet network. These investments have resulted in a 16-fold increase in average internet speeds since 2019, enabling Egypt to maintain its top ranking in Africa for fixed broadband speed for five consecutive years.

Unprecedented Spectrum Expansion

Before 2019, mobile operators had access to 272 MHz of spectrum. Between 2019 and 2022, an additional 140 MHz was allocated, raising total capacity to 412 MHz. With the latest deal, total spectrum allocated since 2019 reaches 550 MHz, marking the largest expansion of spectrum management in Egypt’s history.

Dr. Talaat concluded by expressing his appreciation to the Prime Minister for supporting investment-friendly policies, and commended the role of national institutions, mobile operators, and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), led by Engineer Mohamed Shamroukh, in successfully concluding the deal.