MTN Congo has proudly announced the rollout of its 5G network in the Republic of the Congo, marking a significant milestone as the nation becomes the first in Central Africa to introduce this advanced technology. This move is seen as a catalyst for a “digital revolution” that is anticipated to have a profound impact on the lives of the Congolese people by enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation.
The journey towards this achievement began two years prior, in October 2022, when MTN Congo initiated a pilot-phase 5G network in the country. This pilot marked MTN Congo as the pioneering operator to test 5G capabilities within the nation. During this phase, the telecoms minister of the Republic of the Congo, Leon Juste Ibombo, disclosed that the 5G trials yielded impressive data speeds that surpassed 10Gbps. These results were instrumental in enabling MTN Congo to gear up for the introduction of commercial 5G services.
Minister Ibombo also indicated the government’s commitment to supporting this technological leap by expediting the process of granting a technologically neutral license. This license would allow operators to establish and operate a terrestrial cellular mobile network that is accessible to the public and capable of delivering electronic communication services.
In light of the recent announcement regarding the launch of the 5G network, MTN Congo took the opportunity to extend its appreciation to the local authorities for their support. Special acknowledgments were directed towards Leon Juste Ibombo and Louis-Marc Sakala, a representative from the nation’s telecom regulatory body. MTN Congo emphasized that such support is crucial in creating new prospects for connectivity and fostering a climate conducive to technological innovation.
MTN Congo’s declaration of Congo’s leadership in the deployment of 5G in the region was accompanied by an optimistic outlook on the potential benefits for the country’s businesses and economy. The company envisions that the introduction of the 5G network signifies the dawn of a new digital era for the Congo.
As of January 2024, the Republic of the Congo boasted 2.24 million Internet users, with an Internet penetration rate of 36.2% of the total population at the beginning of the year. This figure is expected to see a substantial increase, with projections indicating a rise to 62.48% within the same year. Additionally, the nation is on track to achieve complete 4G network coverage and nearly universal 3G network coverage by the end of 2024.
The Republic of the Congo’s strides in telecommunications are not limited to the deployment of 5G by MTN Congo. The country is also on the verge of establishing itself as the sole Central African nation to house a data centre. The development of this $72.8 million, three-storey facility is underway, with expectations set for its completion by December 2024. This data centre is poised to further solidify the Republic of the Congo’s position as a leader in digital infrastructure within the region.
