Egypt to launch 4G mobile networks

(AP Photo/Nasser Nasser)

Egypt will launch 4G licenses for the four mobile operators in the country within two months, and the value will depend on each company’s needs of available frequencies, communications and information technology ministry said in a statement on Sunday.

According to Egypt’s Al-Ahram newspaper, legal drafting will be completed in two weeks, the statement added. Last week, the cabinet approved a mandate for the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) to launch high-speed 4G mobile network.

According to the cabinet statement, the decision aims to increase government resources and improve services provided to citizens.

The fourth generation of mobile technology (4G) succeeds 3G by providing higher speed internet access.

There are currently three mobile operators in Egypt: Orange, Vodafone Egypt and Etisalat Misr. A long delayed fourth license for a mobile operator is expected to be issued for state-run fixed line monopoly Telecom Egypt.

Egypt has around 94 million subscribers to mobile services, according to Ministry of Communications and Information Technology data.