• Djezzy expands 5G coverage to 18 Algerian provinces
• Operator says 5G offers speeds ten times faster than 4G
• Rollout targets rising demand for data-intensive services

Algerian mobile operator Djezzy said on Sunday it had expanded its 5G network to 10 additional provinces, bringing total coverage to 18 since the service was first launched in eight provinces.

In a statement carried by state news agency APS, the company invited customers in the newly covered areas to subscribe to its 5G plans, which it said offer speeds up to ten times faster than 4G and significantly lower latency.

The operator said the technology enables near-instant downloads, Ultra HD streaming and improved performance for online gaming, video calls and other real-time applications.

New applications and growth potential

The expansion positions Djezzy to capture rising demand for data-intensive services as digital adoption accelerates in Algeria.

The company said 5G could support smart city projects, including traffic management, public lighting and municipal services. In agriculture, it could enable wider use of connected sensors and drones to monitor crops and livestock.

The technology also supports large-scale IoT deployment and underpins applications in telemedicine and industrial automation, key components of so-called Industry 4.0.

For consumers, 5G improves the performance of bandwidth-heavy services such as cloud gaming and augmented or virtual reality applications, including on mobile devices.

Industry body GSMA has said 5G could help improve connectivity for homes and businesses in regions where fixed broadband remains limited, particularly in Africa. It describes the technology as a driver of digital transformation and innovation, especially among startups targeting younger, data-hungry users.

Djezzy has been expanding its digital services portfolio, including cloud offerings, as it seeks to diversify revenue streams.

Nationwide 5G deployment will require substantial investment. Ericsson estimated in a 2022 study that the baseline cost of rolling out 5G in a country ranges between $3 billion and $8 billion, with an additional 20% to 35% needed to extend coverage.

Isaac K. Kassouwi