Operators

Egypt secures US$3.5bn spectrum deal to fuel next phase of digital growth

Egypt secures US$3.5bn spectrum deal to fuel next phase of digital growth

The Egyptian government has struck a US$3.5 billion agreement with the country’s four mobile operators to double their existing spectrum holdings, in a move designed to underpin future digital transformation and next-generation services.

Communications Minister Amr Talaat said the deal will double operator spectrum “in a single transaction,” positioning the market for the rollout of future technologies. The government added that the newly awarded frequencies match the total amount of spectrum allocated to operators in Egypt over the past 30 years.

State-controlled Telecom Egypt, alongside Vodafone Egypt, Orange Egypt and E& Egypt, will collectively pay the agreed sum for 410 MHz of spectrum.

Highlighting the scale and strategic importance of the deal, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli attended the signing ceremony.

Vodafone Egypt said in a statement the additional spectrum will enable it to “significantly enhance 4G data connectivity” and better meet surging demand for mobile data services.

The allocation spans the 1,800MHz and 3,500MHz bands, alongside the renewal of spectrum in the 2,600MHz band. Vodafone Egypt will initially secure 2 x 10MHz in the 1,800MHz band, with the licence to be settled through four annual instalments, starting with a US$100 million payment in its 2025 financial year.

The operator has already been flagged as a bright spot in Vodacom’s Q3 results, accounting for more than a quarter of the group’s service revenue and underlining the strategic importance of the Egyptian market.



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