Tunisia Calls for Tenders to Provide 5G
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Loading... - Maire Dunne
- 28 Oct 2024
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The Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies has officially called for tenders to award operating licenses for fifth-generation (5G) technology in the North African country. This significant announcement is part of Tunisia's broader strategy to digitally develop its territory, upgrade its digital infrastructure, and extend broadband coverage across the nation.
In a statement, the ministry outlined that telecom operators interested in commercially deploying 5G technology must submit their applications between July 3, 2024, and September 2, 2024. This tender announcement follows the recent approval of Tunisia's 5G roadmap, which aims to facilitate the rollout of this advanced technology.
As part of the roadmap, Tunisian telecom operators will be allocated 5 MHz of Time Division Duplex (TDD) spectrum in the 700 MHz band and 100 MHz (TDD) in the 3.5 GHz band. Additionally, operators will have the option to request three blocks of 20 MHz spectrum. The ministry has indicated that further 5G frequency bands will be announced in subsequent deployment phases, with licenses granted for a duration of 15 years.
The deployment of 5G technology aligns with Tunisia's national strategy for developing digital infrastructure. The government aims to expand high-speed broadband coverage nationwide, accelerate administrative digitization, secure national cyberspace, ensure digital sovereignty, and foster a trusted digital environment essential for various digitalization projects.
According to statistics from market research company Omdia, Tunisia currently has three mobile telecommunications network operators that provide 2G, 3G, and 4G services. As of the end of the first quarter of 2024, Ooredoo Tunisie led the market with approximately 6.7 million mobile subscribers, followed by Orange Tunisie with 5.2 million users, and Tunisie Télécom with 4.9 million subscribers.
Tunisia's move to implement 5G technology comes at a time when many African countries are actively launching and rolling out next-generation networks. For instance, in January, Somali telecommunications operator Hormuud Telecom launched its 5G network in key locations across the East African country, following a similar launch by Somtel just weeks earlier.
As Tunisia embarks on this journey toward 5G, it joins a growing list of African nations that are recognizing the potential of advanced telecommunications technology to drive economic growth, enhance connectivity, and improve the quality of life for their citizens. The successful implementation of 5G in Tunisia could pave the way for innovations in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and smart city initiatives, ultimately contributing to the country's digital transformation.
