Egypt is undergoing a remarkable transformation in its telecommunications sector with recent fibre optic expansions. These advancements are not only revolutionising the country’s connectivity but also propelling it into the digital era. Through its national plan to connect remote areas with fibre and the implementation of cell towers under the ‘Decent Life’ initiative, Egypt is paving the way for real-time progress.
Driving Digital Transformation: Egypt’s Fiber Optic Expansions
The ‘Decent Life’ initiative, aimed at improving living standards, has allocated a substantial investment of up to £5.8 billion ($342.6 million) to develop telecommunications infrastructure in collaboration with Telecom Egypt, the state-owned operator. In 2022, fibre optic network infrastructure was deployed across 77 villages, granting residents access to high-speed internet. This remarkable feat involved connecting over a million buildings with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology. Under the ongoing ‘Decent Life’ project, scheduled to commence in 2023, stakeholders plan to invest £40 billion in deploying fibre optic cables across several governorates. This ambitious endeavour aims to connect more than 3.5 million households to fibre internet.
In February 2023, the Egyptian government joined forces with industry leaders, including Ericsson, Nokia, Detecon, Lenovo, and Telecom Egypt, to develop strategies aimed at enhancing information infrastructure, driving digital transformation, providing digital skills training for the youth, and expanding telecom infrastructure in rural areas. Additionally, by implementing the ‘Decent Life’ initiative and expanding the fixed broadband network with higher speeds, experts project a significant increase in the number of fixed broadband lines, from 11.6 million in 2022 to 16.1 million by 2027.
Also Read: Egypt’s Petroleum Ministry Launches Upstream Gateway Digital Platform to Attract Sector Investments
Egypt’s fibre optic expansions are driving a digital revolution, propelling the nation into the forefront of connectivity and technological advancement. Furthermore, Egypt is well on its way to becoming a major digital economy in the region, thanks to its dedication to bridging the digital divide and improving the quality of life for its residents.
