"5G Networks in Egypt: Between Human Rights Risks and Development Opportunities" 18 June 2025

Egypt is rapidly moving to introduce 5G telecommunications technology as part of its digital transformation strategy...With the commercial launch of these networks in 2025, significant debate has emerged regarding balancing the anticipated developmental benefits of 5G with potential human rights risks to citizens’ privacy and freedoms...

This paper analytically discusses the introduction of 5G networks in Egypt and their implications for citizens’ daily lives and fundamental rights. It also provides a simplified technical background on 5G and its functions. Furthermore, the paper examines the 5G rollout roadmap in Egypt, identifying key stakeholders (governmental, private, and international), before analyzing the most prominent human rights risks associated with 5G applications...

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Early 2024 saw the granting of the first license for 5G services in Egypt. The state-owned Telecom Egypt (WE) secured a 15-year license for $150 million. In late 2024, the government sold similar licenses to the three other mobile operators in the Egyptian market for a total of $675 million. These companies are: Vodafone Egypt (a subsidiary of Vodafone Global/Vodacom South Africa),Orange Egypt (a subsidiary of Orange France),Etisalat Egypt, e& (a subsidiary of the UAE-based &e Group)...

...It also revealed its selection of Finnish company Nokia as a primary supplier for Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment, including base station units and modern MIMO antennas...

...Despite Egypt’s stated pursuit of so-called “trusted vendors” in cooperation with European and American countries, reports confirm the continued partnership between Telecom Egypt and Huawei in the 5G domain...Nevertheless, there is no transparent disclosure in Egypt regarding whether equipment from Chinese companies will form the backbone of the network or if diversification with other suppliers will occur...

...In the absence of strict controls, these capabilities could transform into a threat of pervasive surveillance. Studies indicate that 5G technologies will make tracking individuals easier, enabling governments to accurately pinpoint citizens’ locations in real-time through their numerous antennas...

... Recent legislative amendments, specifically those related to the draft Criminal Procedure Law, have legalized the surveillance of personal communications in Egypt....

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...Without compensatory policies, this could widen the digital divide between those with 5G access and those without...

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...This process will occur gradually through what is known as technological unemployment...In Egypt, this requires the government’s proactive educational and training vision. This includes integrating digital economy concepts into technical education and providing free or subsidized training programs for employees whose jobs are likely to be affected by automation. Without this, large segments of the workforce, especially less-educated youth, could be excluded from the labor market, leading to increased unemployment and social instability...

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