6 Million New Lines and Fiber Optics Doubled: NTRA Unveils Egypt”s Internet Development Roadmap
Eng. Mohamed Ibrahim, official spokesperson for the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), announced an ambitious plan to upgrade an additional 6 million landline internet connections over the next three years, at a rate of 2 million lines annually. The plan aims to boost internet speeds, improve service quality, and increase the proportion of fiber-optic-backed lines to over 90% of Egypt’s total fixed network.
Ibrahim stated that fixed internet users in Egypt exceed 13 million, alongside a 36% annual growth in data consumption. He emphasized that the NTRA continues to modernize the infrastructure to keep pace with this surging demand across a network serving nearly 100 million citizens.
Full Modernization of 5.5 Million Lines and Migration to Fiber Optics
The official spokesperson noted that the fixed internet network previously relied on copper cables with a maximum speed of 30 Mbps—a speed that no longer meets the demands of digital expansion and e-government services. Modernization efforts over the past five years successfully converted over 5.5 million lines to fiber optics, enabling speeds of 100 to 200 Mbps and covering more than 40% of all landline networks.
Responding to Consumption Pressures and Post-Pandemic Demand
Ibrahim revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic marked a critical turning point when internet consumption suddenly spiked by 100% within just two months. This prompted the NTRA to adopt a proactive plan to expand network capacity. He added that maintaining high service quality amid a 36% annual surge in consumption remains the telecommunications sector's greatest challenge.
"Decent Life" Initiative and Coverage for Remote Areas
Under the presidential initiative "Decent Life" (Haya Karama), the NTRA continues to convert telecommunications networks entirely to fiber optics across roughly 450 villages in its first, second, and third phases.
Ibrahim highlighted that modernization is not limited to densely populated areas; it also extends to border and remote regions. Over 180,000 lines have been updated, with a target of 50,000 additional lines per year, self-funded by the NTRA to guarantee every citizen's right to high-efficiency connectivity regardless of economic return.
40,000 Cell Towers and 450 MHz Spectrum Release
Regarding mobile networks, the number of cell towers grew from 24,000 in 2021 to 38,000 currently (a 60% increase), targeting 40,000 towers by the end of 2026.
The NTRA also announced a five-year spectrum plan that released 450 MHz for mobile operators—equivalent to the total spectrum made available over the preceding 25 years combined. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to regular service quality measurements and prompt handling of consumer complaints.