وأخيراً تكنولوجيا الجيل الخامس في مصر بشكل رسمي من شركة وي بعد طول إنتظار - We 5G

Summary

The Egyptian telecommunications company WE obtained a 15-year, $150 million 5G operating license on January 17th, 2024, becoming the first 5G provider in Egypt. 5G offers internet speeds up to 20Gbps, reducing latency and supporting advanced applications, though realistic speeds will likely only reach 2Gbps. 5G rollout will initially focus on economically viable areas of high consumer density before expanding nationwide over the next 5 years as infrastructure improves. Competitors like Vodafone and Orange are also preparing for 5G services pending license approval. Mobile data plans may be increased to support 5G speeds or subsidized introductory offers could be provided to encourage adoption.

Takeaways

• 📱 Egyptian Telecom acquired a 5G operating license on January 17, 2024, for $150 million over 15 years.
• 📶 5G technology offers significantly higher internet speeds than 4G, theoretically up to 20 Gbps, but real-world speeds are expected to be around 1 Gbps under optimal conditions.
• 🤖 The low latency of 5G, reaching as low as 1 millisecond, will enhance real-time applications like video calls, online gaming, and IoT devices.
• 🔍 Devices must be 5G compatible to connect to the 5G network, with compatibility starting from iPhone 12 and many current Android devices.
• 🏠 Initial 5G deployment by Egyptian Telecom will be in economically viable areas with plans to expand coverage across Egypt gradually.
• 🛰 Other telecom companies in Egypt (Vodafone, Orange, Etisalat) are also preparing to launch 5G services, pending licenses.
• 💰 Mobile data packages may evolve to accommodate the higher speeds of 5G, potentially offering larger data allowances to users.
• 🚨 5G's rollout is complex, requiring the upgrade or replacement of existing infrastructure and possibly increasing the number of towers due to 5G's higher frequency bands.
• 🗺  The coverage and quality of 5G service will vary based on location, with urban areas likely to see faster deployment than rural areas.
• 📈 The adoption of 5G is expected to have a significant impact on digital transformation, supporting a wide range of new applications and services.

Q & A

What is 5G technology?

5G is the 5th generation of mobile network technology. It provides much faster internet speeds, lower latency, and ability to connect more devices than previous generations like 4G.

When did Telecom Egypt get the 5G license?

On January 17, 2024, Telecom Egypt obtained a 15-year license to operate 5G services in Egypt for $150 million.

What are the benefits of 5G?

Some key benefits of 5G are: extremely fast internet speeds (up to 20 Gbps), very low latency (1 ms), ability to handle more connected devices, enabling new technologies like self-driving cars, VR/AR, smart cities etc.

Which companies will provide 5G services in Egypt?

Initially only Telecom Egypt got the license. But other companies like Vodafone, Orange and Etisalat are also preparing to provide 5G and will obtain licenses soon.

When will 5G services launch across Egypt?

It is expected to take around 4-5 years for full nationwide rollout. Initially 5G will only be available in certain areas. It will expand across Egypt gradually over the coming years.

Will mobile data plans increase with 5G?

It is not confirmed yet. But based on 4G launch, operators may initially offer promotional 5G data plans to encourage adoption before increasing regular plan sizes.

How does 5G work technically?

5G uses higher frequency radio waves that can transfer more data but cover shorter distances. So 5G networks require building many more cell towers that are closer together for coverage.

Will 5G replace fiber broadband?

No, 5G cannot match the extremely high speeds of fiber optic cables. But it can provide wireless connectivity faster than existing 4G networks.

Can my phone use 5G networks?

You need a 5G supported phone to use 5G networks. Most flagship phones from the past 2-3 years should support 5G technology.

Will 5G have impact on other technologies?

Yes, 5G will enable many new technologies and applications like smart homes/cities, industrial automation, autonomous vehicles, augmented reality etc.