Overview

(Exchange rate used: 1 USD = LE 5.5.  Values are in millions of U.S. Dollars.  Figures listed are unofficial estimates in millions.)

The Egyptian telecommunications sector is one of the most developed in the Middle East/North Africa region and it is expected to grow at over 20% annually in the coming three years.  Major players are: one fixed line operator, Telecom Egypt (11.3 million subscribers); three GSM operators: Mobinil, Vodafone Egypt, and Etisalat (40 million subscribers).   Internet users reached 11.5 million as of August 2008.  IT and telecom are a major driving force for the development of many sectors such as healthcare services, media, education, and governmental services.

Best Products/Services

• Call Centers Equipment/Network Centers
• Fiber Optic Cables
• GSM Solutions and Applications/Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
• Media Convergence/ Triple Play
• Wi-Fi/Wi-Max /Wireless Networks and Solutions

Opportunities

Due to undersea Internet cables damage, Egypt connection to Europe, Asia, and Gulf countries was disrupted twice in 2008.  As a result, three projects are being undertaking to extend back up cables to prevent future disruption.  Wi-Max, GSM solutions and applications, electronic cyber security, represent good business opportunities for U.S. firms.

Resources

Ministry of Communications and Information Technology: http://www.mcit.gov.eg/
Telecom Egypt: http://www.telecomegypt.com.eg/home-en.asp
National Telecommunication Regulatory Authority: https://www.tra.gov.eg/english/Main.asp
Information Technology Industry Development Agency: http://www.itida.gov.eg/
MobiNil:  http://www.mobinil.com/
Vodafone:  http://www.vodafone.com/
Etisalat: http://etisalat.com.eg/

Contact for the Commercial Specialist in charge of the Telecommunications Sector:  Hend El-Sineity, Email: Hend.El-Sineity@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov