Egypt’s NTRA Projects EGP 14B Net Profit for FY 2026/27; Rejects Exam-Related Telecom Disruption
National Telecom Regulatory Authority Chief Executive Engineer Mohamed Shamroukh confirmed that internet services will not be suspended during Egypt’s upcoming high school examinations, stressing that the country is committed to respecting international laws and conventions governing freedom of communication and internet access.
Speaking during a meeting of the Communications and Information Technology Committee at the Egyptian House of Representatives, chaired by MP Ahmed Badawi, Shamroukh said Egypt possesses the technical and administrative capabilities needed to secure secondary school exams and combat cheating or leaks without resorting to exceptional measures such as cutting internet services.
He explained that the most effective solutions to combat electronic cheating include tightening supervision inside examination halls, enhancing inspection procedures, and deploying modern technologies capable of detecting hidden earpieces and electronic devices, while ensuring the continuity of telecom services nationwide.
Shamroukh revealed that the National Telecom Regulatory Authority generated revenues of EGP 18.4 billion during the previous fiscal year, recording net profits of EGP 12.6 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 68%.
He added that the authority’s targets for the 2026/2027 fiscal year approach EGP 21.7 billion in revenues, with expected net profits reaching EGP 14 billion.
The NTRA chief noted that Egypt is steadily moving toward a major developmental leap in the telecommunications sector, amid growth rates reaching 20%, alongside the implementation of new services through investment entities without imposing costs on the state budget.
He also disclosed that taxes collected on mobile phones imported from abroad amounted to nearly EGP 28 billion, while authorities monitored a large number of mobile phone smuggling violations, in addition to approximately 1,500 cyberattack attempts aimed at disrupting systems.
Shamroukh emphasized that cybersecurity has become one of the world’s most pressing challenges following recent international developments, adding that these challenges have demonstrated the strength of Egypt’s digital and information infrastructure, which has received international recognition.
The NTRA head further revealed that around 200 villages continue to face difficulties in securing suitable locations for mobile network towers. He noted that the authority has exhausted multiple solutions to address the issue and is relying on the cooperation of parliament members to help provide locations that would improve mobile coverage in underserved areas.
Shamroukh announced that Egypt is preparing to launch a digital identity system, which he described as a major leap in electronic services through e-signature technologies and the delivery of digital services with greater efficiency and security.
He also called for stronger public awareness regarding responsible and balanced internet usage, noting that monitoring internet consumption patterns in Egypt showed low engagement with educational and informative content, compared with increased use of non-productive applications and platforms.
For his part, the Communications and Information Technology Committee at Parliament approved the draft state budget and the economic and social development plan for the 2026/2027 fiscal year related to the National Telecom Regulatory Authority.
Committee Chairman MP Ahmed Badawi praised the authority’s efforts in regulating the telecommunications market, supporting competitiveness, and improving the quality of telecom and internet services in ways that directly benefit citizens.
Badawi stressed the importance of implementing decisive measures to ensure high school exams are conducted in a disciplined environment that guarantees equal opportunities for all students and limits attempts at electronic cheating using advanced devices and hidden earpieces.
Meanwhile, MP Mohsen Hatta, a member of the Communications and Information Technology Committee, commended the professional performance of the National Telecom Regulatory Authority in recent months, saying it reflects a clear vision in addressing sector challenges, particularly in developing digital infrastructure and supporting the expansion of advanced technological services in line with the goals of Egypt’s “New Republic.”