Tag: Vodafone Egypt

  • Egypt launches eSIM: Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, Orange, and e& Egypt offer new service

    Egypt launches eSIM: Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, Orange, and e& Egypt offer new service

    The four main telecom providers in Egypt—Telecom Egypt (WE), Orange Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, and e& Egypt—all began offering eSIM services on Thursday in all of their locations.

    The introduction of the e-SIM technology comes after the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) formally approved the new technology after the telecom companies completed the necessary technical tests.

    Permanently resident foreigners and Egyptians can now switch from classic removable SIMs to eSIMs at their carriers’ outlets.

    Read also: MTN South Africa introduces biodegradable SIM cards to reduce environmental plastic waste

    All of the telecom’s branches around the country now offer the service.

    Each telecom operator sets its own prices, which vary from EGP 270 to EGP 350 for an eSIM.

    Egypt’s telecommunications sector has changed since the GSM Association (GSMA) first released the eSIM card in 2010.

    Users can acquire and activate many numbers on a single eSIM, and it provides creative ways to guard against SIM card damage or loss, thereby giving users a more seamless and adaptable experience.

    Because it does away with the necessity for conventional detachable SIM cards, the eSIM represents a significant breakthrough in the telecom sector.

    Furthermore, because it is a digitally integrated SIM that runs on smart devices and stores network data on the device itself, it represents a vital turning point in the provision of more inventive services.

    It’s simple to activate the eSIM service by simply scanning a QR code. Before visiting a branch to pay for the service and get the QR code, customers can verify their device settings or get help from customer support.

    It is important to note that when the four mobile operators in Egypt finished the required technical testing, the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA) formally introduced eSIM technology in Egypt.

    Telecom players expressed enthusiasm about the e-SIM technology 

    “The launch of the eSIM service is not just an addition to our diverse offerings, but a reflection of our commitment to maintaining leadership in providing innovative and advanced technological services that drive transformation in the telecommunications world,” said Samer Murad, Director at e& Egypt.

    Murad emphasised that this step marks the beginning of an innovation phase in Egypt’s telecommunications sector.

    “The company eagerly anticipates further progress in this field, contributing to the country’s digital transformation and solidifying e& Egypt’s position in shaping the future of telecommunications in the region,” he concluded.

    “The launch of the eSIM service reflects our commitment to providing the best for our customers and Orange Egypt’s vision of staying at the forefront of technological advancements while driving digital transformation in Egypt,” said Ahmed El Abd, Chief Consumer BU Officer, Orange Egypt

    E-SIM: What is it? 

    The GSMA (GSM Association) unveiled eSIM, a digital SIM technology, in 2010. Users do not need to handle physical SIM cards because eSIM is integrated into your smartphone, unlike regular SIM cards.

    The most recent iPhones, some Android phones, wearable technology like the Apple Watch, and even Internet of Things devices like smart home appliances are starting to use this contemporary method.

    Merits of using the e-SIM 

    Users can quickly switch between and keep various carrier profiles on a single device—no more fumbling with SIM cards.

    Additionally, because it is embedded, it conserves space, enabling the construction of thinner devices.

    Furthermore, because it cannot be physically changed or tampered with, it is more secure. The ease of switching to local carriers overseas would be especially appreciated by travellers.

    It’s also better for the environment because fewer plastic SIM cards translate into less waste and a lower carbon footprint.

    Managing your cell plans will be considerably simpler with the increasing availability of eSIM, especially for people who prefer flexibility or often switch between carriers. Additionally, there’s the added benefit of supporting telecom industry sustainability initiatives!

    Read also: Vodacom South Africa leads Corporate Social Impact rankings for a record eighth year

    Demerits of using the e-SIM 

    However, eSIM isn’t flawless. Availability may vary based on subscriber’s location because not all devices or carriers support it yet.

    Additionally, the activation process may seem a little intimidating to non-techies.

    How to activate the e-SIM 

    The procedure is really simple:

    To start, find out if your device is compatible with your telecom provider.

    Next, obtain the service’s required QR code. You must have a Wi-Fi connection to download the line files and network settings.

    Lastly, activate the line and verify your information by calling Telecom’s support centre.

  • Vodafone Egypt leads in mobile and fixed broadband networks in the latest umlaut score

    Vodafone Egypt leads in mobile and fixed broadband networks in the latest umlaut score

    As the undisputed market leader in Egypt’s telecommunications sector, Vodafone Egypt has once again proven its mettle. The company has emerged as the top performer in both mobile and fixed broadband network categories in the latest umlaut score evaluation.

    This prestigious recognition underscores Vodafone Egypt’s unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled network quality and customer experience across all cities in Egypt.

    Read also: UK company acquires 9mobile

    Vodafone Egypt – Mobile Network Excellence

    Vodafone Egypt’s mobile network has always led the pack with innovation and performance. Investment in leading technology and infrastructure has proven to give customers reliability and high-speed mobile services. Yet again, this has scored high on the umlaut benchmark, with global recognition for network quality.

    Speaking on this achievement, A spokesperson for Vodafone Egypt expressed their elation, stating, “We are thrilled to be acknowledged by umlaut for our exceptional mobile networks. This recognition is a testament to our relentless dedication to ensuring our clients have the best possible experiences. We will continue to invest in our network infrastructure to provide our customers with seamless connectivity and reliable services.”

    Vodafone Egypt’s Fixed Broadband Network Dominance

    Not just this, the brilliance of Vodafone Egypt’s mobile network has also helped it get the first position regarding the category of fixed broadband network in the umlaut score evaluation. This acknowledges the company’s dedication to delivering fast and stable internet services to homes and businesses nationwide.

    “[Our fixed broadband network] was designed with the vision of the growing demand for internet services that should be both reliable and at high speed,” [Vodafone Egypt spokesperson] said. “Today, in the digital world, we believe that connectivity is at the core of our customers’ needs.”

    Read also: Apple unveils web version to compete with Google Maps

    Vodafone Egypt has invested in advanced technology and infrastructure for its fixed broadband network, ensuring customers’ uninterrupted and high-speed internet connection. It has also invested in fibre optic networks, which enable ultra-high Internet service to be delivered to customers.

    Securing the top spot in the mobile and fixed broadband network categories in the umlaut score evaluation is a clear testament to Vodafone Egypt’s commitment to excellence.

    The company is at the forefront of innovation in the ever-evolving telecommunications industry, ensuring its customers can access dependable, high-quality services. As a spokesperson for Vodafone Egypt concluded, ‘We are proud of our achievements and remain committed to further investments in our infrastructure to ensure our customers receive the best. We will continue to strive to maintain our leading position in Egypt.’

  • The Qatar Investment Authority is set to purchase 20% of Vodafone Egypt

    The Qatar Investment Authority is set to purchase 20% of Vodafone Egypt

    The largest mobile network operator in Egypt, Vodafone Egypt, 20% state-held stakes will be purchased by Qatar Investment Authority for approximately $2.5 billion from Telecom Egypt. It announced in September 2022 that it is looking to collect up to $6 billion by selling holdings in state-owned companies.

    In order to establish a strategic footing in the mobile telecommunications industry, state-owned Telecom Egypt, which started functioning in 1854 with the construction of the first telegraph line connecting Cairo and Alexandria, purchased its 45% investment in Vodafone Egypt.

    Read also: MTN, Vodafone, and Other Telecom Companies Now Offer Free Calls and SMS to Ukraine

    How Vodafone Egypt Could Benefit From This Deal

    Dealing with Qatar would help Egypt’s struggling economy, which is now dealing with rising food and gasoline prices as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and a flight of foreign investors from its domestic debt. Since March 2022, there have been $22 billion in withdrawals from the local debt market.

    The proposal, which would be backed by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund, may include public share offers or block sales to strategic investors, according to the planning minister of the country, Hala Elsaid.

    Past Negotiations By Vodafone

    The ownership of Vodafone Egypt has been changing over the last few years. Back in 2021, Vodafone Group and Vodacom Group reached an agreement to sell Vodafone Group’s 54.9% interest in the operator for ZAR 41 billion (£2.0 billion/€2.4 billion).

    However, the transfer still needs additional regulatory permission and is anticipated to be finished by the end of this year. Another negotiation happened in 2020: Vodacom Group and their top shareholder, TE arrived at an agreement to revise their shareholder agreement. This happened just an afternoon after a deal to sell Vodafone’s stake to Saudi Telecom fell through that same year.

    Qatar, one of the richest nations in the world thanks to its large gas reserves, is diversifying its economy in preparation for declining revenues as supplies run out, and the world moves away from fossil fuels. Let’s take a look at some of the past negotiations between the Qatar Investment Authority and other big Qatari firms.

    Qatar Airways Selects Inmarsat as its in-flight internet provider

    Qatar Investment Authority Past Negotiations

    To aid Egypt in navigating the crisis, Qatar earlier this year deposited $3 billion in the Central Bank of Egypt. This same year, one of the biggest sovereign wealth funds in the world underwent a significant strategy shift when the Qatar Investment Authority sold its holdings in a number of listed businesses and invested in closely held technology companies in emerging economies.

    A previous deal between the Qatari giant “Qatar Energy” and ExxonMobil provided for the acquisition of 40% of ExxonMobil’s share in an exploration field in the Mediterranean off the coast of Egypt.

    Qatar stated at the end of March 2022 that it would spend more than $4.5 billion in Egypt, a country that was experiencing economic difficulties as a result of the Covid epidemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

    The deal, if successful, will help Egypt’s economy, which has recently been struggling as a result of global issues, most notably the conflict in Ukraine.