State-controlled telco Telecom Egypt said on Monday it has signed several multi-year agreements worth up to EGP30 billion (US$609.5 million) to provide infrastructure services to Vodafone Egypt to support its preparation for rolling out 5G.
Under the deals, Telecom Egypt will extend its transmission services agreement with Vodafone Egypt until 2031, securing Vodafone Egypt's current and future expansion. The agreements also include a four-year agreement for fibre connectivity to Vodafone Egypt's mobile sites.
Several other agreements cover virtual fixed voice and internet services, enabling Vodafone Egypt to expand its portfolio of communications services in the Egyptian market with a range of value-added services and business offerings.
The EGP30 billion will be spread out over the duration of the agreements, which have varying maturities up to 2034. Vodafone Egypt is Telecom Egypt’s largest operator client.
Vodafone Egypt received a 5G licence from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) last month, along with Orange Egypt, and e& Egypt, with the licences valued at a total of US$675 million. Telecom Egypt secured its 5G licence from the NTRA in January 2024 for US$150 million.
“As 5G technology relies on a robust fiber optic network to connect supporting towers, these agreements serve as the cornerstone for the 5G rollout, enabling both companies to work together to deliver enhanced services to citizens,” said Minister of Communications and Information Technology Dr. Amr Talaat, who attended the signing ceremony.
Talaat also pointed out the considerable efforts made in recent years to strengthen mobile network infrastructure in Egypt, with the number of mobile towers doubling over the past five years to over 36,000 towers nationwide.
“Over the past two years, more than EGP8.8 billion has been invested – equally shared between the four mobile operators and the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority – to expand the network of mobile towers in the villages of the ‘Haya Karima’ initiative,” he said. “The mobile network coverage for all phases of this project is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of next year.”
