Somali telecommunications operator Hormuud Telecom has launched its fifth-generation (5G) network in key locations in the East African country.
The telecom announced that free upgrades to the upcoming technology will be provided to its 4G users.
“The network will initially be accessible in Mogadishu, Kismayo, Galkayo and Baidoa, as well as Dhusamareeb, Beledwayne, Afgoye, Merca and Dhobley, offering 81% coverage,” the phone company stated in a statement.
The company also emphasized how users who rely on mobile money services for business and pleasure and do not have traditional bank accounts will find reliability and speedier technology to be important tools.
According to Hormuud Telecom, 5G would make it possible for it to facilitate the adoption of IoT devices that will improve its disaster management systems by utilizing real-time sensor technology.
“The introduction of 5G services by Hormuud Telecom appears to be a crucial turning point as Somalia advances toward stability. Telecommunications Minister Jama Hassan Khalif of Somalia stated, “This initiative is more than just a technological advancement; it’s a symbol of our nation’s commitment to growth and constant improvement.”
Ahmed Yusuf, CEO of Hormuud Telecom, stated that the company wants to make sure that everyone may take advantage of 5G’s advantages.
The 5G rollout by Somali mobile mix Hornuud Telecom comes after Somtel’s earlier in the year.
Somalia has nine mobile operators, according to data from Connecting Africa’s sister company, Omdia, a market research firm.
Customers of Hormuud Telecom’s 4G service will get free upgrades to 5G technology.
Customers of Hormuud Telecom’s 4G service will get free upgrades to 5G technology.
Hormuud Telecom held a 39% market share by the end of the third quarter of 2023, according to Omdia, making it the largest operator in the nation. Nevertheless, Omdia has seen a sharp decline in the company’s projected market share, which at the end of 2023 was only 12%.
At the end of 2023, Telcom held a market share of over 20%, behind by Nationlink Somalia with a 24% share.
During the same time period, Somtel—which recently introduced 5G—had an 11% market share, while Telsom Mobile held a nearly 15% share. The market shares of the remaining four operators range from less than 1% to 8%.
African Evolution of 5G
The nation’s rollout of 5G services comes after a number of other African nations that have already introduced and implemented 5G services.
In Africa, 5G rollouts are starting to happen frequently. Telecom Egypt was well-positioned to introduce the technology when it obtained the first 5G license in the nation for US$150 million from the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) in January 2024.
Three carriers received 5G licenses from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) in October 2023, and Orange declared that it was doing 5G tests in Sierra Leone.
By the end of 2024, Orange intends to introduce 5G services throughout the majority of its operations in Africa.
