Egypt

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Egypt

Mobile networks and carriers in Egypt use 2 GSM bands, 1 UMTS band, 1 LTE band, and 3 5G NR bands. Find out if your unlocked phone or mobile device will work in Egypt. See the tables below for details.

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Egypt's mobile network has undergone significant development over the years. Here is a brief overview:

History of Mobile Network Development

  • Introduction of Mobile Phones: Cellular phones were introduced in Egypt in the mid-1990s. By the early 2000s, their use surpassed that of landlines, reflecting a shift towards mobile communication.

  • Expansion and Modernization: By 2007, there were three mobile-cellular networks in operation, with service expanding rapidly. This period saw extensive upgrading of the telecommunications infrastructure, making Egypt a regional leader in the field.

  • Infrastructure Upgrades: In 2020, the Egyptian government announced plans to improve internet services by increasing average internet speed. By April 2021, internet speed had reached an average of 39.6 Mbps, a significant improvement from 6.5 Mbps in January 2019.

  • Recent Developments: The National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority launched the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) service in June 2020, allowing mobile telephone subscribers to retain their phone numbers when switching network service providers. This move aimed to enhance efficiencies and competitiveness in the market.

Current State

  • Mobile Phone Penetration: As of 2022, Egypt had a total of 103.45 million mobile phones, corresponding to an average of 0.93 mobile phones per person. This figure is lower compared to the United States, which has an average of 1.1 mobile phones per person.

  • Internet Speed: The average download speed for mobile internet in Egypt is 25.66 Mbps, ranking 104th internationally. The upload speed is significantly lower, at around 6 Mbps, placing Egypt 138th globally.

  • Cost and Usage: The monthly cost for mobile phone services in Egypt averages around $4.70, which includes 140 telephony minutes, 70 text messages, and 2 GBytes of data transfer. This cost is relatively low compared to other countries, but it still represents a significant portion of the average Egyptian's income.

Key Players

  • Telecom Egypt: The state-owned Telecom Egypt is a major player in the country's telecommunications sector, providing both landline and mobile services. It has formed joint ventures with foreign-owned companies to enhance its offerings.

  • Vodafone Egypt: Vodafone Egypt is another prominent player, offering a range of services including broadband and mobile data. It operates under the country code +20 and is one of the three major mobile-cellular networks in Egypt.

  • Orange Egypt: Orange Egypt also provides a variety of services, including broadband and mobile data. It operates under the country code +20 and is another significant player in the Egyptian mobile market.

Initiatives and Plans

  • Digital Transformation: The Egyptian government has launched several initiatives aimed at digital transformation, including the "Our Future is Digital" program, which aims to train 100,000 young Egyptians in ICT skills. The "Our Digital Opportunity" initiative engages SMEs in the digital transformation process.

  • Infrastructure Development: The government is investing heavily in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), which is expected to be a "Smart City" with advanced telecommunications and ICT infrastructure. The Knowledge City within NAC includes applied research centers for technology and data design.

Overall, Egypt's mobile network has evolved significantly, with a strong focus on digital transformation and infrastructure development.

Carriers

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Name # of frequency bands in use
Etisalat 7
Mobinil 3
Orange 7
Vodafone 7

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Frequencies in use

GSM

Name Interface
900 MHz (E-GSM) GSM
1800 MHz (DCS) GSM

UMTS

Name Interface
B1 (2100 MHz) UMTS

LTE

Name Interface
B3 (1800 MHz +) LTE

5G NR

Name Interface
N1 (2100 MHz) 5G NR
N3 (1800 MHz) 5G NR
N8 (900 MHz) 5G NR

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