Tunisia is positioning 5G as a key driver for accelerating digital transformation across various sectors of its economy. According to the country’s roadmap, the issuance of licenses and the commercial launch of ultra-high-speed internet are scheduled for September and November 2024, respectively.
The Ministry of Communication Technologies has announced the launch of a tender for 5G operating licenses. Telecom operators interested in deploying fifth-generation technology in Tunisia must submit their applications to the ministry between July 3 and September 2.
This tender follows the government’s approval of the 5G launch roadmap on June 13. Under this plan, each Tunisian telecom operator will be allocated a 5 MHz duplex in the 700 MHz band and 100 MHz (TDD) in the 3.5 GHz band. Additionally, three blocks of 20 MHz will be available upon request, with more 5G frequency bands to be announced in later phases. The licenses will be valid for 15 years, though the cost remains undisclosed.
The ministry states that deploying 5G aligns with Tunisia’s strategy for developing national digital infrastructure. The goal is to expand high-speed broadband coverage nationwide, accelerate administrative digitization, secure national cyberspace, ensure digital sovereignty, and foster a trusted digital environment essential for digitalization projects.
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The introduction of 5G is expected to enable new mobile technology applications. In a 2021 public consultation on ultra-high-speed internet by the National Telecommunications Authority (INT), Internet service provider Conect Tunisia highlighted potential uses such as IoT (Industry 4.0, Agriculture 3.0, Smart Homes, Smart Cities), in-vehicle video streaming, data exchanges during major sports and cultural events, autonomous vehicles, and online gaming.
