Egypt has taken a significant and much needed step in revolutionizing its telecommunications landscape by introducing a new service that utilizes fixed internet networks for mobile phone calls, known as WIFI-calling. This innovation aims to enhance call quality and address the persistent issue of network coverage, particularly in densely populated and infrastructurally challenging urban environments.
At a recent press conference, Amr Talaat, the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, highlighted the crucial role WIFI-calling will play in overcoming network coverage challenges in areas with high population density, narrow streets, and towering buildings. Such areas often pose difficulties in maintaining sufficient mobile network coverage.
“WIFI-calling simplifies communication, ensuring users can make and receive calls with excellent quality, even in coverage-compromised zones,” Minister Talaat stated.
The introduction of this service marks the culmination of a year-long collaborative effort between Egypt’s four major mobile operators and the telecommunications regulator. This new approach allows users to make mobile calls over their home WIFI, bypassing the need for traditional mobile network towers. This is particularly advantageous for residents of lower building floors or those situated in regions with notoriously poor mobile reception.
In conjunction with this rollout, Talaat announced plans to extend mobile network coverage to all highways and villages under the Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative by mid-year. The initiative aims to uplift living standards in Egypt’s rural and underserved areas, complementing the recent adoption of Apple Pay, which signifies a leap forward in modernizing Egypt’s financial and telecommunications sectors.
According to a report by the International Telecommunication Union, approximately 40% of Egyptians still face connectivity issues. The introduction of WIFI-calling is projected to significantly reduce this figure, providing an alternative that leverages the country’s growing internet infrastructure. Experts, such as telecommunications analyst Dr. Ahmed El Badry, lauded the initiative, noting, “This service could potentially transform the way Egyptians communicate, offering a reliable solution to areas where traditional coverage is lacking.”
As Egypt continues to embrace digital transformation, this move underscores the government’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into everyday services, promising improved connectivity and quality of life for its citizens.
