Tunisia is witnessing a technological leap as three major telecommunications providers simultaneously rolled out 5G services, marking the country's advancement on the global tech stage. Orange Tunisie, Ooredoo Tunisie, and Tunisie Télécom have initiated their 5G mobile services following rapid implementation post license acquisition. This landmark deployment is part of the Tunisian Ministry of Communication Technologies' strategic initiative, which began with the opening of tenders for 5G operating licenses back in July 2024.
All three operators were awarded substantial spectrum allocations, including 5MHz of Time Division Duplex spectrum available in the 700MHz band and 100MHz within the 3.5GHz band, with licenses valid for 15 years. Each company is anticipated to expand its capabilities even more with additional frequency bands planned for future phases.
Orange Tunisie stands out with its extensive infrastructure boasting 400 operational 5G sites across various regions. The company has also introduced fixed wireless access through its routers equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and has developed specialized features targeting gamers and streaming enthusiasts. A notable highlight is the establishment of the Orange 5G Lab, adjacent to its Digital Center located in Tunis's Berges du Lac district, focusing on enterprise applications related to Industry 4.0, health advancements, and educational improvements.
Ooredoo Tunisie rolled out its “Fix Jdid 5G” offering, promoting fixed wireless access solutions targeted at both residential and commercial clients, with potential speeds reaching up to 100 Mbit/s. Mansoor Rashid Al-Khater, Ooredoo's CEO, emphasized the role of 5G in propelling Tunisia's digital economy and fostering innovation among entrepreneurs.
Tunisie Télécom, on the other hand, is leveraging its existing fiber optic infrastructure to bolster its network deployment strategy for 5G. The company’s CEO, Lassâad Ben Dhiab, noted the impending activation of a new submarine cable system which is set to improve service quality within the upcoming year.
Market analytics from Omdia have provided insights on Tunisia's mobile sector, positioning Ooredoo Tunisie with 6.4 million mobile subscribers as the leading provider, followed by Orange Tunisie with 4.6 million, and Tunisie Télécom accommodating 4.3 million users as of late 2024. The introduction of 5G services adds complexity and depth to the existing telecommunications ecosystem, which already includes 2G, 3G, and 4G networks.
Meanwhile, Türkiye is gearing up for its 5G transition, as highlighted by Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, during the Civil Ankara 2025 event, where he engaged with youth and unveiled mega projects concerning transport and telecommunications investments. "5G will enable internet surfing at speeds 10 times greater," asserted Uraloğlu, underlining the technology's significance as Türkiye prepares to enter 5G territory.
The Turkish minister mentioned, "We have activated 5G experimentally in 34 centers, including Istanbul Airport," heralding initial testing phases with the aim to implement the technology nationwide by 2026. Notably, Uraloğlu also announced plans to test 5G technology during the highly anticipated match between Galatasaray and AZ Alkmaar, showcasing its practical applications at large events.
Demonstrated applications for this new technology resemble what has been outlined for Tunisia, with potential uses including robotics within manufacturing and remote operation of machinery, both of which could reshape the actions and strategies of many sectors across the nation.
The parallel development and anticipated rollout of 5G technology across Tunisia and Turkey signify a pivotal moment for both nations, as they invest heavily to uplift their digital landscapes. These advancements not only promise enhanced communication capabilities but are also expected to nourish economic growth and digital innovation, setting substantial groundwork for future technological integration across the region.