Interview | Amr Fathy: e& Egypt’s 5G Technology Will Redefine Digital Life for Individuals and Enterprises

As technology continues to reshape the world and redefine standards of connection and communication, Egypt stands at the cusp of a pivotal digital transformation. Far more than a leap in internet speed, 5G is emerging as a foundational platform—enabling smart cities, next-generation healthcare, interactive learning, and a globally competitive digital economy.

In this interview, we speak with Eng. Amr Fathy, Chief Technology and Information Officer (CTIO) of e& Egypt, about the company’s strategic vision for the rollout of 5G, the technical and regulatory challenges it faces, and how e& Egypt positions itself at the forefront of this transformation. The conversation delves into the company’s efforts to safeguard data security, implement intelligent infrastructure, deliver innovative digital services, and invest in the knowledge economy—aligning closely with Egypt’s Vision 2030. It’s a dialogue of ambition and foresight, charting a blueprint for the future.

What opportunities does 5G technology offer Egyptian users? And what challenges did you face while building the 5G network in Egypt?

5G technology opens unprecedented opportunities for users in Egypt and is central to our vision of comprehensive digital transformation. Thanks to its advanced capabilities, emerging applications such as the Internet of Things, smart cities, and augmented reality are now feasible. These innovations enhance quality of life and increase service efficiency, especially in health, education, and intelligent transport sectors.

We’re preparing to launch next-generation smart services in the near future—including AR-based bundles, interactive educational platforms, and health monitoring systems powered by real-time analytics. We’re also enhancing the “My e&” app to include intelligent chatbots and personalized digital experiences supported by AI.

As for the challenges in building Egypt’s 5G network, they’ve come at three levels. First, infrastructure, which demanded significant investment—we’ve addressed this through strategic partnerships. Second, regulatory coordination, which we’ve tackled in close cooperation with relevant authorities. And third, market-related challenges involving user awareness and delivering value-added services that go beyond speed. Through tailored content and real-use experiences, we aim to build trust in the technology.

How does e& Egypt’s 5G strategy differ from other providers?

Our strategy distinguishes itself by focusing on the value 5G delivers to users—not merely internet speed. We don’t see 5G as a technical upgrade alone, but rather as a platform that enables integrated digital experiences with a tangible impact on people’s lives.

That’s why we emphasize improving call quality, reducing downtime, and increasing network reliability to ensure smooth, stable service—whether for work, education, entertainment, or healthcare. This user-centric approach extends to our legacy service users as well. It’s a reflection of our commitment to innovation grounded in actual user needs and contributes to building an advanced, sustainable digital economy.

Will 5G coverage be nationwide upon launch, or phased in gradually?

Our rollout will follow a phased strategy to ensure optimal quality and efficiency. That said, we’re launching from a position of significant strength—with a network already covering approximately 99% of Egypt’s inhabited areas, supported by nearly 11,000 mobile towers. This expansive infrastructure allows us to deliver 5G quickly and effectively to most customers, with continuous expansion based on demand and usage priorities. Our readiness has been acknowledged through Ookla’s recognition of e& as the fastest mobile network in Egypt.

How do you maintain service quality in densely populated areas?

We maintain high service standards by combining extensive reach—nearly 11,000 mobile sites across Egypt—with intelligent tower placement. Our investment in cutting-edge telecom infrastructure boosts data transmission efficiency and reduces latency. The result is consistent connectivity, clear voice quality, and fast browsing—even in crowded spaces like malls and major public events.

How does your strategy contribute to Egypt’s national digital transformation goals?

Our strategy actively supports Egypt’s digital transformation by evolving from a traditional telecom operator into a technology conglomerate composed of several specialized subsidiaries. We’re introducing the integrated e& model to the Egyptian market, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030.

Our initiatives include investment in national projects and smart city infrastructure that align with citizen needs and government resource efficiency. We also prioritize financial inclusion through services like e& Cash, digital payments, and e-commerce, while supporting startups and small-to-midsize businesses. Additionally, we collaborate with various ministries to digitize key public services—such as civil registry and notary services—bringing essential services closer to citizens with greater speed and transparency.

In doing so, we’re positioning ourselves as a core partner in Egypt’s digital future—offering advanced technological solutions that serve all segments of society and foster sustainable growth across sectors.

Can Egypt replicate e& UAE’s success in service quality and innovation?

Absolutely. Egypt has all the fundamentals to parallel the e& UAE experience in both quality and innovation. Our parent group, e&, follows a unified, comprehensive strategy across all markets, while respecting each region’s unique needs and circumstances.

In Egypt, we’re transferring UAE best practices and adapting them to local conditions—whether in infrastructure, operational models, or bundled digital services. We invest continuously in modern technology, workforce development, and service expansion. And Egypt’s environment is ripe for such progress: there’s strong government support for digitalization, financial inclusion, and smart infrastructure. These factors give us a firm base to build a localized version of the UAE’s success story, and we’re confident the Egyptian experience will be just as exceptional.

How will private 5G networks be introduced in Egypt—and will they be competitive?

Our vision for private 5G networks focuses on delivering innovative services while integrating financial and entertainment platforms into a seamless user environment. At the same time, we’re enabling major industries—such as manufacturing, energy, transportation, and healthcare—to digitize with secure, high-capacity, low-latency connectivity tailored to their specific demands.

We believe our private 5G networks will be highly competitive, not only in technical performance but also in operational efficiency. They’re designed to boost productivity, reduce costs, and give institutions the agility to adopt future technologies such as remote-control systems, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These solutions reinforce our position as a trusted partner for Egypt’s public and private sectors in the digital transition.

How will network slicing technology be implemented in Egypt?

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, network slicing is central to our vision of adaptive, intelligent communication services. e& UAE pioneered commercial 5G network slicing for enterprises in the region, using its independent, next-gen network—and we plan to bring the same innovation to Egypt, in line with our group strategy.

We are integrating network slicing into our 5G infrastructure to create virtual sub-networks tailored to specific speed, latency, and security requirements. This isn’t just a technical capability—it’s a strategic lever for improving user experience, maximizing operational efficiency, and unlocking new revenue streams through customizable service models.

With backing from our global partners, we’re developing a comprehensive ecosystem to enable dynamic resource control and real-time performance management. While the rollout will align with local market readiness, the long-term goal is to redefine how Egyptian institutions and users interact with digital services.

Which sectors will benefit most from 5G? Are there pilot projects underway?

Several vital sectors stand to benefit from 5G, thanks to its ultra-high speeds, low latency, and ability to connect vast numbers of devices simultaneously—factors that are essential for digital transformation and operational efficiency.

Key sectors include healthcare, education, transportation, logistics, industry, public safety, smart agriculture, and finance. We’re currently conducting real-world pilot projects applying 5G in various scenarios—particularly those relying on automation, smart surveillance systems, and high-speed data transfer.

We’re also integrating AI and IoT into smart city initiatives already underway in Egypt. At e& Egypt, we believe that embedding 5G into national infrastructure is a long-term investment in the country’s digital future. Our mission is to lead this transition by providing cutting-edge solutions that accelerate transformation and establish Egypt as a regional tech and telecom hub.

How do you safeguard data amid rising reliance on technology and the internet?

At e& Egypt, data security is a top priority. With increasing dependence on digital platforms, we are committed to upholding the highest international standards for information security. Our approach includes a secure digital infrastructure and advanced cybersecurity technologies to protect customer privacy.

We use a multilayered defense model—combining encryption, firewalls, threat detection systems, and behavioral analytics—alongside continuous network monitoring using state-of-the-art tools to detect and neutralize threats in real time. Additionally, we conduct awareness and training programs for employees and customers to foster a data protection culture.

We also ensure full compliance with local and international data protection laws and regulatory frameworks, maintaining the highest levels of transparency and accountability.