(Ecofin Agency) - QCell is Gambia's second-largest telecom operator by number of subscribers. The company aims to capitalize on technological innovation to attract new subscribers and strengthen its market position. 

Last week, Gambian mobile operator QCell launched its fifth-generation (5G) mobile network with technical support from Chinese technology company Huawei. It thus becomes the first telecoms operator to launch this latest-generation mobile technology in The Gambia, promising very high data download speeds of up to 20 GB/s.

Thanks to QCell, Gambia joins the very select circle of African countries to have launched 5G. This technological leap is necessary in a context marked by ever-increasing consumer demand for high-speed connectivity and the emergence of new modes of digital consumption born with the acceleration of digital transformation. 

"With a 5G network, you can: Download a movie in minutes and a song in seconds. Experience console-quality gaming on the go… Stream, share, post, and work in public settings without being slowed down by everyone around you when connected,” the operator tweeted.  

5G is also expected to strengthen the company’s position in the Gambian mobile market, where it currently controls 28% of the market share (according to the latest data from the regulator PURA).

Its competitors Africell, Comium, and Gamcel control around 63%, 5%, and 5% respectively of the national mobile subscriber base.

It should be remembered that other Gambian mobile operators could be launching ultra-broadband services in the coming months. Gamcel has been looking for a private partner since February to upgrade its 3G/4G network and roll out 5G. Comium has a similar agreement with British company Monty Mobile.

Isaac K. Kassouwi