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Somalia telco elevates digital landscape with 5G network inauguration

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud during the launch of 5G network in Somalia. (Hormuud Telecom)

By Hassan Mohamed | Thursday, March 21, 2024

The 5G mobile wireless technology is meant to deliver higher peak data speeds, more reliability, massive network capacity, and increased availability.

Somalia’s leading telecommunications company, Hormuud Telecom, rolled out its first fifth-generation (5G) network on Thursday, which is set to revolutionize and advance connectivity within the country as well as boost trade in and outside the country.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud presided over the launch of the new 5G Hormuud network. He was joined by other dignitaries, including Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Hormuud Telecom senior management.

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The 5th Generation (5G) mobile wireless technology is meant to deliver higher peak data speeds, more reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users.

Speaking during the launch, President Mohamud thanked Hormuud and other telecommunications companies in Somalia for their service to the public and assured them of the government's support.

“Congratulations to Hormuud. We appreciate your services as well as all other smaller and bigger telecommunication companies operating in the country for their excellent services to the public, and we hope the search for high-tech services will not stop here. You will continue to offer and, in the future, unveil technologically superior and better service,” he said.

The President also used the opportunity to reiterate to the public his government's commitment and determination to eliminate Al-Shabaab terrorists from Somalia and called upon the public to continue supporting the government in the war against terrorism.

Hormuud Telcome is Somalia's leading telecommunications company, with over 35,000 staff across the country. The company said the new 5G capability will be available in nine centres across the country.

“This is a significant development for many Somalis, including those who do not have a traditional bank account and rely on mobile money services for business and leisure,” the statement added.

The company said that 5G enables faster, more reliable internet connectivity

“There were numerous challenges that we had to overcome to reach this stage. This will greatly benefit sectors such as education, healthcare, and productivity,” Ahmed Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer of Hormuud Telecom, said.

Somalia's Minister of Telecommunications and Technology, Jama Hassan Khalif, thanked Hormuud for supporting Somalia's telecommunications advancement.

“We have succeeded in maintaining and managing our country code, and I want to single out Hormuud for helping us by sharing their user details as well as supporting the development of the telecommunications policy and advancements, and we thank them,” the Minister said.

Internet users said the unveiling of the new 5G connectivity opens more doors to technological advancement for the country and that the service is set to revolutionize life.

“5G will help us get the best doctors in the world for our hospital through the use of telemedicine, which aids in helping a doctor treat a patient from far away. This latest technological advancement will also make it easier for us to study online at reputable universities in countries where we would otherwise struggle to get visas to study physically there. This is a game changer,” said Mohamed Khadar Ismail, Trade Director of iRise Hub, which is Somalia’s first fully-fledged innovation hub.