Tunisia Opens Bidding for 5G Licenses
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Loading... - Farida Reda
- 16 Jul 2024
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Tunisia is poised to join the wave of African countries adopting 5G technology, promising faster speeds and lower latency for its citizens and businesses. The Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies announced the launch of a call for tenders for 5G operating licenses on Sunday, June 30.
Call for Tenders
Application Process
Telecom operators interested in providing commercial fifth-generation technology in Tunisia are invited to submit their applications to the ministry between July 3 and September 2. This announcement follows the approval of the 5G launch roadmap by the government on June 13.
Frequency Allocation
According to the approved roadmap, each Tunisian telecom operator will be entitled to:
- 5 MHz duplex in the 700 MHz band
- 100 MHz (TDD) in the 3.5 GHz band
Additionally, three blocks of 20 MHz will be available upon request by the operators. More 5G frequency bands will be announced in subsequent deployment phases. The license will be valid for 15 years, though its cost has not yet been disclosed.
Government Objectives
Digital Development Strategy
The deployment of 5G is a key part of the Tunisian state's strategy for the digital development of the national territory. The government aims to:
- Develop digital infrastructure
- Generalize very high-speed coverage throughout the country
- Accelerate the digitization of the administration
- Secure the national cyberspace
- Ensure digital sovereignty
- Establish a climate of digital trust essential for digitization projects
Expected Benefits of 5G
Enhanced Applications
5G technology is expected to facilitate numerous new applications of mobile technology. A public consultation on ultra-high-speed broadband conducted by the National Telecommunications Authority (INT) in 2021 highlighted several potential use cases for 5G, as indicated by the Internet service provider Conect Tunisia. These include:
- Internet of Things (IoT): Supporting advancements in Industry 4.0, Agriculture 3.0, Smart Homes, and Smart Cities.
- Video Streaming in Vehicles: Enhancing in-car entertainment and information systems.
- Data Exchanges During Major Events: Improving connectivity and data exchange during large sporting and cultural events.
- Self-Guided Vehicles: Facilitating the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles.
- Online Gaming: Providing low-latency connections crucial for a seamless gaming experience.
The introduction of 5G technology in Tunisia marks a significant step in the country's digital development strategy. By opening the bidding for 5G licenses, Tunisia is set to enhance its digital infrastructure, boost economic growth, and improve the quality of life for its citizens through advanced technological applications. This move positions Tunisia as a forward-thinking nation ready to embrace the future of connectivity and digital innovation.
