Tunisie Telecom Becomes First to Roll Out 5G in North Africa

Tunisia has secured its place as the first country in North Africa to deploy 5G, with Tunisie Telecom officially launching its non-standalone (NSA) 5G services. The commercial rollout, which began on 14 February, introduces high-speed mobile broadband and Fixed Wireless Access for residential users.

The launch was marked by a formal ceremony attended by Tunisia’s head of government and the Minister of Communication Technologies at the Palais du Gouvernement in La Kasbah. The move signifies a major step in the country’s digital transformation strategy.

Breaking Speed Records with 5G Deployment

Tunisie Telecom’s 5G network operates using two distinct setups. One is built on a dedicated 3.5 GHz frequency, while the other repurposes parts of the existing 4G network, leveraging the 2100 MHz and 1800 MHz bands. Some sites have already achieved remarkable speeds of up to 2.1 Gbps, setting new benchmarks for mobile connectivity in the region.

This rollout also marks Tunisia’s first use of the 3.5 GHz band, enabling a broader spectrum for improved performance. To ensure widespread coverage, the operator is deploying 5G in its FDD format, which integrates with existing mobile infrastructure.

Ericsson’s Role in the Ambitious Rollout

Swedish telecom giant Ericsson played a key role in supporting Tunisie Telecom’s launch, helping the operator meet the tight timeline set by the Ministry of ICT. Despite the complexity of the network architecture, the collaboration ensured a successful rollout. Ericsson is expected to continue working with the operator to drive Tunisia’s Digital Strategy 2025, which aims to position digital technology at the heart of the country’s economic and social development.

Egypt Lags Behind in 5G Race

While Tunisia has taken the lead, Egypt’s telecom sector is still in the preparation phase. Telecom Egypt secured the country’s first 5G licence in January 2024 and, in collaboration with Ericsson, conducted a successful trial in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital the following month.

Additionally, Ericsson and e& Egypt signed an agreement in October 2024 to deploy 5G services nationwide. However, a commercial rollout date is yet to be announced, leaving Egypt trailing behind its North African neighbour in the race for next-generation connectivity.