Egypt has taken a significant step forward in enhancing its communication infrastructure with the introduction of Wi-Fi calling services. This innovative technology promises to revolutionize how residents stay connected, offering a seamless communication experience even in areas with limited mobile network coverage. Backed by the efforts of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), this milestone reflects Egypt’s commitment to embracing advanced telecom solutions and improving connectivity for its citizens.

Egypt’s minister of communications and information technology, Amr Talaat announced the official launch of the wi-fi calling services in Egypt. According to the National Telecom Regulatory Authority (NTRA), Wi-Fi calling allows users to make voice calls, send text messages, and access other communication features over a wi-fi network, bypassing the traditional mobile network. Telecom Egypt, Vodafone, e& Egypt, and Orange have already launched the service.

The minister said the service is designed to improve call quality in areas with poor coverage, assisting users in staying connected without relying solely on mobile networks. He noted that launching this service took over a year of continuous effort, with close cooperation between telecom companies and regulatory bodies.

Overcoming Challenges: Expanding Wi-Fi Calling Across Egypt

“We faced challenges, but through collaboration with the four mobile operators, we were able to overcome them and successfully launch this service,”

Talaat told Ahram. Mohamed Shamroukh, chairman of the NTRA, noted that the first phase of the wi-fi calling service will focus on residential homes, with plans to expand to commercial and public areas afterward. He added that, by 30 June 2025, 4G will cover 99.5% of the population.

“We are consistently engaged in developing innovative communication solutions to enhance the customer experience,” said e& Egypt director Samer Murad. “The Wi-Fi calling service is a key component of this initiative, providing seamless and high-quality connectivity whether customers are at home or in any location with reliable wi-fi access.”

Wi-Fi calling is available at no additional cost, operating under users’ current mobile plans, and can be activated directly through phone settings. Initially available to most iOS devices and some Android phones, Orange Egypt said it plans to expand the service to more Android models in the future, to eventually include all phones running on various operating systems.

Advancing Connectivity and Expanding Coverage

The Minister also highlighted recent efforts to improve connectivity, including the rollout of 5G technology and virtual mobile SIM cards. eSIM technology was launched in Egypt in December after the four mobile operators completed all the necessary technical tests. The NTRA also contracted with ‘Sci Shield’ to establish and operate the eSIM data centre.

Talaat added that by mid-year, the government plans to complete the installation of mobile network coverage across all highways and villages included in the Haya Karima (Decent Life) initiative, which aims to improve living conditions in rural and underserved areas.

Conclusion

The launch of Wi-Fi calling services in Egypt marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s digital transformation journey, aligning it with global trends in modern telecommunications. As countries worldwide adopt similar technologies to bridge connectivity gaps, Egypt’s commitment to enhancing call quality and accessibility reflects its forward-thinking approach to tackling the challenges of limited network coverage. This initiative, alongside complementary advancements like 5G expansion and eSIM deployment, positions Egypt as a regional leader in embracing cutting-edge communication solutions.

Globally, Wi-Fi calling has proven to be a game changer, particularly in densely populated urban centers and remote rural areas where mobile networks struggle to perform. By integrating this technology at no additional cost to users, Egypt not only empowers its citizens but also sets a benchmark for inclusive and user-friendly telecom services. The government’s emphasis on collaboration with major telecom operators and regulatory bodies further underscores the importance of a unified effort in driving technological progress.