Sonatel, the leading telecom company in Senegal, announced it will launch commercial 5G mobile services on June 1. The announcement was made by CEO Sékou Dramé on May 21, during the commercial launch event of Orange's ultra-high-speed internet services in Senegal.
Dramé assured customers with compatible devices that they could expect download speeds up to 10 times faster than 4G, promising a smoother, more immersive user experience. This will enable real-time applications like online gaming, virtual reality, telemedicine, and e-education.
Sonatel acquired the first 5G operating license in Senegal from the Telecom and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP) for CFA34.5 billion ($57 million) in July 2023. The company began offering 5G services in March 2024, almost simultaneously with its competitor Saga Africa Holding Limited (Free). Initially, Sonatel's 5G offerings were limited to fixed 5G services for residential and business customers.
The launch of Sonatel's 5G mobile services is expected to democratize the service in Senegal’s mobile-dominated telecom market. It will also enhance competition and kick-start the race in the ultra-high-speed 5G connectivity segment in Senegal.
"5G goes far beyond a mere technological upgrade; it is a catalyst for economic growth in Senegal," said Dramé. "By offering ultra-fast connection speeds, low latency, and increased capacity, 5G will stimulate innovation, energize businesses, and improve public services, opening new opportunities for everyone."
From Dakar to Nairobi, Kampala to Abidjan, mobile money has become a lifeline for millions of Africa...
• WAEMU posts 0.9% deflation in July, second month in a row• Food, hospitality prices drop; alcohol,...
Airtel Gabon, Moov sign deal to share telecom infrastructure Agreement aims to cut costs, boo...
Vision Invest invests $700m in Arise IIP, Africa’s largest private infrastructure deal in 202...
Even though it remains the smallest "crypto-economy" in the world, sub-Saharan Africa shows that vir...
Global soybean output to hit record 425.8M tons in 2025/26 Brazil leads with 175M tons; U.S. and Argentina decline China to import 112M tons; soybean...
Africa as a whole is advancing in innovation, thanks in large part to bolstered institutional capacity, the strengthening of business ecosystems, and a...
South Africa anchors African bonds with liquidity, but yields lag Ghana and Zambia. Ghana and Zambia deliver 20%+ yields, driving bond rallies despite...
• UN urges shift from arms to human development in Africa • Military spending rises, deepening poverty and fiscal strain • Region needs $70B...
Surprisingly, only one African song made it onto Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The track is "Essence," a collaboration...
The Umhlanga Festival, also known as the “Reed Dance,” is one of the most iconic cultural events in the Kingdom of Eswatini in Southern Africa. Every...