Egypt Daily News – Egypt officially launches 5G telecommunications services today, marking one of the most significant milestones in the modernization of the telecom sector. A celebratory event is being held at the foot of the Pyramids, attended by several relevant ministers and executives from the four mobile network operators in Egypt: Telecom Egypt (WE), Vodafone, Orange, and Etisalat Egypt (e&). The event is also being attended by representatives of major global companies specializing in the manufacture of 5G network equipment.
This comes after a series of technical trials conducted by the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) during key international events, such as the Cairo ICT exhibition and the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh, paving the way for the commercial launch of the service after the necessary infrastructure and frequencies were secured.
Telecom and technology experts have confirmed that 5G will enhance Egypt’s regional standing in the telecommunications market and open broader horizons for investment in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart cities. It will also provide a strong boost toward achieving the goals of “Digital Egypt Vision 2030.” In recent hours, many citizens have been asking about 5G technology, and it has dominated Google search trends. “Al-Masry Al-Youm” answers the most frequently asked questions in the following lines.
Is there real 5G coverage in Egypt?
5G networks have started to appear in some vital areas within major cities, such as New Cairo and the New Administrative Capital, through limited trial operations by the four licensed telecom companies. Technical work is currently ongoing to gradually expand coverage, in line with the NTRA’s plan. This pilot phase aims to assess the technical and operational performance of the network before it is rolled out nationwide. According to official sources, coverage is expected to reach more provinces within 12 to 24 months.
What is the key difference between 4G and 5G networks?
5G represents a major leap forward from 4G, not just in speed but in overall network performance. 5G can offer download speeds of up to 20 Gbps, compared to an average of 1 Gbps for 4G. This means smoother internet use, better video streaming, and improved gaming experiences. Response time (latency) drops to under 1 millisecond, making the network more efficient for real-time applications such as autonomous driving and remote surgery. 5G can also connect a massive number of devices without compromising service quality.
Do all phones in the market support 5G?
Only a limited number of smartphones available in Egypt support 5G. To benefit from this technology, the phone must have a built-in modem compatible with 5G frequencies, which is not available in budget or older phones. Some manufacturers offer specific models starting at around 6,000 EGP, including devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, and Infinix. Users are advised to check the specifications before purchasing to ensure full compatibility with the new network.
Will using 5G consume internet data faster?
Experts suggest that higher 5G speeds will naturally lead to increased data usage, especially with high-definition video streaming, live broadcasting, and cloud gaming. However, the network’s data transmission efficiency is higher, which helps reduce time and technical wastage. Telecom companies are currently developing new data plans tailored to 5G users, aiming to balance top-tier performance with reasonable pricing.
Is there a link between 5G radiation and cancer?
Concerns about 5G radiation are not new, but there is no scientific proof to date linking it to cancer. Dr. Tarek El-Baradei, a professor of surgical oncology, confirmed that 5G waves fall within the non-ionizing frequency range, meaning they cannot affect DNA or cause cellular changes that lead to cancer. Telecom operators comply with international safety standards, and periodic monitoring by relevant authorities ensures radiation levels remain within safe limits.
Can I use 5G with my current SIM card?
Most telecom companies allow 5G services to be used with existing SIM cards, without the need for immediate infrastructure changes on the user’s side. In some cases, users may need to update their SIM card or enable specific settings through customer service or the company’s app. Some new phones also support eSIM technology, offering more flexibility in usage.
What are the main everyday applications that benefit from 5G?
5G opens the door to a wide range of daily uses that were previously limited. Users can enjoy video streaming in up to 8K resolution, ultra-smooth online gaming, and downloading large files within seconds. The network also supports telemedicine, connects smart vehicles to road infrastructure, and enables the operation of smart factories and control centers powered by advanced IoT systems.
Does 5G affect home internet or Wi-Fi services?
5G is not intended to replace home internet but offers a high-efficiency alternative in areas lacking strong fiber optic coverage. It’s an ideal option for users needing fast mobile internet, during emergencies, outages, or in remote areas. Some companies are working on providing routers specifically designed to receive 5G signals and distribute them via Wi-Fi for homes or small businesses.
Will 5G services come with additional charges?
None of the telecom operators in Egypt have announced separate fees for using 5G so far. However, companies are expected to introduce new plans specifically for 5G customers, with differences in data volumes and speeds tailored to the nature of the new service. Prices are expected to vary across customer segments to ensure broad accessibility with different performance levels.
What role does 5G play in smart city development?
5G is a foundational element in smart city infrastructure. It enables real-time data collection and analysis via sensors and cameras connected to the network. This allows for the management of traffic lights, air quality monitoring, and improved transport services, in addition to accelerating digital government services. Egypt is working to integrate these technologies in new cities such as the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein.
When will 5G coverage reach all provinces?
The NTRA expects the full coverage plan to take one to two years, starting with high-density and economically significant areas like Greater Cairo, the New Administrative Capital, Alexandria, and the Canal Cities. Current efforts focus on upgrading networks and expanding infrastructure to meet 5G requirements, with clear priorities set for connecting industrial zones, educational institutions, and major hospitals in the first phase.
