Egyptian Mobile Operators to Receive New Frequencies in July Under Historic $3.5 Billion Spectrum Deal
Mobile operators in the Egyptian market will begin receiving the new frequencies offered by the government earlier this year starting in July. This move comes as part of executing the largest frequency spectrum deal in the history of Egypt's telecommunications sector, according to an Egyptian government official cited by Asharq Bloomberg.
In his statements to Asharq Bloomberg, the official clarified that Telecom Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt have collectively paid approximately $500 million during the first quarter of 2026. This serves as the first installment of the massive $3.5 billion spectrum deal.
He pointed out that the new spectrum, which boasts a capacity of 410 MHz, is equivalent to the total frequency bands acquired by mobile operators in Egypt since the launch of mobile services nearly 30 years ago. This massive addition will significantly contribute to raising network efficiency and improving the quality of both telecommunications and internet services.
The official further added that the companies are scheduled to pay an additional $300 million during the first quarter of 2027, bringing the total initial payments to $800 million. The remaining balance of $2.7 billion will be paid in annual installments until 2030 in favor of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA).
The allocation of these new frequencies is strategically aimed at increasing the capacity of mobile networks to absorb the rapid growth in data consumption. It also seeks to enhance the quality of services provided to users amid a continuously rising demand for digital communication services.
According to data from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the number of active mobile lines in Egypt reached approximately 122 million by the end of November 2025, operating within what is considered one of the most highly competitive telecom markets in the region.