National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt and GSMA Announce Agreement to Support Economic Growth and Digital Inclusion through Mobile Broadband

The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt (NTRA) and the GSMA today announced an agreement to establish a framework of cooperation designed to promote Egypt's mobile economy, recognizing the transformative potential of mobile technology for economic growth, job creation, public services, businesses and wider digital inclusion of Egypt's citizens.

 Under the auspices of His Excellency Eng. Atef Helmy, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at a meeting between Eng. Hesham El Alaily, Executive President of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and the GSMA at Mobile World Congress 2015 in Barcelona.

His Excellency Atef Helmy, who chaired the meeting, noted: "Egypt is determined to embrace the significant socio-economic opportunities offered by mobile. Broadband connectivity has become a key competitive differentiator in the global economy and our citizens will welcome the many benefits of greater access to mobile services in their personal and professional lives.”

 Eng. Hesham El Alaily commented: "The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the GSMA at Mobile World Congress this week reflects our intention to develop a supportive regulatory environment that is based on international best practices and aimed at attracting long-term investment in mobile network infrastructure and services in Egypt.”

 "The GSMA is very pleased to be working with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Egypt to increase citizens' access to mobile broadband technologies across the country. It is only through close collaboration between the public and private sectors that we can drive access to affordable and ubiquitous mobile services amongst consumers," said Tom Phillips, Chief Regulatory Officer, GSMA.

 The agreement employs a multi-faceted approach that will address both the supply and demand sides of the Egyptian mobile market. Together, the NTRA and the GSMA will develop best practice recommendations on spectrum licensing and infrastructure sharing and promote mobile-enabled services for digital and financial inclusion, including e-Government and mobile money.

Source: Balancingact- Africa